Study: Glass of Wine Each Day Could Lead to Healthier Liver

By Kenny Goldberg / Health Reporter, KPBS Public Broadcasting

Published May 20, 2008 at 1:27 PM PDT

This story was published more than 15 years ago.

Researchers say a glass of wine a day could lead to a healthier liver. A new study from UCSD indicates modest wine consumption can decrease the likelihood of a condition known as non-alcoholic fatty l

Researchers say a glass of wine a day could lead to a healthier liver. A new study from UCSD indicates modest wine consumption can decrease the likelihood of a condition known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.

Numerous studies have shown moderate drinking may reduce the risk of heart disease. But the effects on the liver have been unclear. UCSD's Dr. Jeffrey Schwimmer looked at the drinking patterns of nearly 12-thousand people nationwide. Those who consumed up to one glass of wine a day had a much lower risk of developing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Schwimmer's conclusion:

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Schwimmer: Modest wine consumption is not only protective for the heart, but actually is safe for the liver, and may in fact benefit the liver.

Schwimmer says research does not support the idea of drinking more than a glass of wine a day. And he says the effect on the liver was seen only with wine, and not with beer or liquor.

Kenny Goldberg, KPBS News.