Effect of alcohol consumption on kidney function: population-based cohort study

Abstract

The association between alcohol consumption and kidney function is intriguing, but study results are mixed and controversial. We examined the association of alcohol consumption with the overall change in kidney function over 12 years. We analyzed data from a population-based cohort that was part of the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study. Primary exposure was total alcohol intake (non-drinkers, 0 to < 10 g/day, 10 to < 30 g/day, and ≥ 30 g/day). Main outcome was decline in kidney function over 12 years. Our study included 5729 participants (mean [SD] age, 51 [8] years; 46% males). Compared to non-drinkers, higher alcohol intake groups had lesser reduction in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) over 12 years; fully adjusted beta coefficients and 95% confidence intervals were 0.45 (- 0.27, 1.18), 1.87 (0.88, 2.87), and 3.08 (1.93, 4.24) for participants with alcohol intake of < 10, 10 to < 30, and ≥ 30 g/day, respectively. However, this association was attenuated among women, smoker, and age ≥ 60 year. Compared with not drinking, more frequent alcohol consumption and binge drinking were associated with lesser reduction in eGFR. Our findings suggest that alcohol consumption may have a favorable effect on kidney function among the general population.

Figure 1

The association of baseline alcohol consumption and decline in kidney function over 12 years among 5729 participants. Points and bars represent beta coefficients and 95% confidence intervals, respectively.

Figure 2

Overall and subgroup analyses of the association between baseline alcohol consumption and decline in kidney function over 12 years in fully adjusted linear regression model. Point and bars represent beta coefficients and 95% confidence intervals, respectively. The reference group consists of non-drinkers.

Figure 3

The slope of the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) over 12 years according to baseline alcohol consumption categories among 5729 participants.

Figure 4

Association between total alcohol intake and rapid decline in kidney function (odds ratios) with three levels of adjustment in relation to baseline alcohol consumption among 5729 participants.