Effect of alcohol intake on high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in runners and inactive men
G. H. Hartung, J. P. Foreyt, R. E. Mitchell, J. G. Mitchell, R. S. Reeves and A. M. Gotto Jr
Plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC) level was measured
before and after alcohol abstinence and after resumption of a controlled
alcohol dose in 16 marathon runners, 15 joggers, and 13 inactive men. A
three-week period of abstinence resulted in a significant decrease in HDLC
concentration in the inactive men (49.8 to 41.8 mg/dL). Three weeks of
alcohol consumption (1,065 mL of beer per day) produced a significant
increase in HDLC level to 50.9 mg/dL. No change in HDLC level was found for
the marathon group or the joggers during abstinence or three weeks of
alcohol intake. The consumption of alcohol in moderation seems to be
associated with increased HDLC levels in inactive men but not in men who
engage in regular running or jogging.
