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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Rosalind A. Breslow, PhD, MPH, RD¹, Wenyen Juan, PhD², and Patricia M. Guenther, PhD, RD². (1) Division of Epidemiology and Prevention Research, NIAAA/NIH, 5635 Fishers Lane, Bethesda, MD 20892-9304, (2) Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, US Department of Agriculture, 3101 Park Center Drive, Room 1034, Alexandria, VA 22302, 540-273-1553, wenyen.juan@cnpp.usda.gov

Background: Alcohol has been associated with numerous chronic disease outcomes. However, diet, a risk factor for the same outcomes, could confound associations if diet and alcohol are related. Purpose: To examine the association between nutrient intake and alcohol consumption in NHANES 1999-2002. Methods: We used data from 5475 adults age 20+ who consumed alcohol in the past year. Non-drinkers were excluded. Analyses were weighted to produce nationally representative estimates. Unadjusted mean nutrient densities, based on past 24-hour intakes, were calculated for 25 nutrients. We compared drinkers who consumed, on average, 3+ drinks per day (heavier drinkers) to <1 drink (lighter drinkers). Significant differences were determined by overlap of 95% confidence intervals which were calculated using the Proc Surveymeans procedure in SAS 9.1. Results: Compared to lighter drinkers, heavier drinkers had significantly lower intakes of protein, saturated fat, monounsaturated fat, polyunsaturated fat, carbohydrate, fiber, vitamin A, alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, vitamin C, alpha-tocopherol, calcium, phosphorus, iron, and zinc. There were no differences for other nutrients including folate, vitamin B12, magnesium, and copper. Conclusions: Nutrients associated with alcohol consumption should be considered as possible confounders in studies of alcohol and chronic disease.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

• Explain why diet could confound associations between alcohol consumption and chronic disease.
• Define average volume, the measure used to quantify alcohol consumption in this study.
• Identify nutrients consumed in lesser amounts by heavier drinkers compared to lighter drinkers.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered