Effect of Moderate Alcohol Intake on Blood Chemistry Values

Abstract

The effect of moderate alcohol intake (20% of daily caloric requirement) on selected clinical chemistry values was determined in eight normal men and four normal women. When alcohol was consumed in three portions from one hour before supper to 11 PM and serum specimens were obtained between 7 AM and 8 AM the next day, there was no significant alteration in serum uric acid, lactate, pyruvate, cholesterol, triglyceride, phospholipid, or zinc levels. Fasting blood glucose level was slightly decreased but glucose tolerance curves were not altered. Urinary zinc level was increased. Similar measurements in three subjects between 11 PM and 7 AM showed that serum lactate level increased twofold and uric acid level increased by 0.5 mg/100 ml at first but both returned to control levels by 7 AM. A decrease of 20% in blood glucose level became 6% by 7 AM.