The risk of developing asthma may be reduced by drinking moderate amounts of alcohol each week, researchers in Denmark say.
Sofie Lieberoth of the Bispebjerg Hospital in Amsterdam and colleagues found that drinking one to six units of alcohol a week could reduce the risk of developing the asthma.
The researchers looked at 19,349 twins ages 12-41. Alcohol intake was determined at the start and end of the eight-year study.
According to the researchers, those with the lowest risk of developing asthma drank a moderate amount of alcohol. Those with the highest risk rarely or never drank. Ironically, heavy drinkers had an increased risk of developing asthma. The study found that heavy drinkers were 1.2 times more likely to develop asthma.
"Whilst excessive alcohol intake can cause health problems, the findings of our study suggest that a moderate intake of one to six units can reduce the risk of developing asthma," Lieberoth said in a statement to UPI.
"By examining all the factors linked with the development of asthma, we can understand more about what causes the condition and how to prevent it."
The findings were presented at the European Respiratory Society's annual Congress in Amsterdam.
