Lushes don't nosh

"note - many of the serious adverse effects of alcohol are thought to relate to vitamin
deficiency - serious alcoholic = poor diet = thiamine deficiency =
sub-acute-degeneration-spinal cord (numb legs and funny walking)"

But, but, you cited a study that *proved* that moderate consumption improved health, and claimed to correct for diet, and still showed that more than 30 g/day wiped out the advantages. (What is a serious alcoholic, anyway?)


Not sure what a hazard ratio is, and a bit toey about the wide confidence limits, but the trend is unmistakable:

g/day Hazard ratio
-----------------
0-5 same
5-15 .6
15-30 .4
30+ .9

I gather 10 g is one standard drink.

My comment about emergency room traffic still stands, though. Any data on proportions of moderate use among drinkers, or systematic under-reporting of drinking levels? Effects on unhealthy people? Increased smoking amongst light drinkers? Still, these are minor quibbles that don't really justify criminalizing booze.