Association between alcohol consumption and metabolic syndrome in 19,215 middle-aged and elderly Chinese

AimsTo assess the association of alcohol consumption with metabolic syndrome (Mets) in a Chinese population.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study was performed in 19,215 participants aged 40 years or over in Shanghai of China during June 2008–April 2009. Information about the alcohol consumption including quantity and type of alcoholic beverage was obtained using a standard questionnaire. Physical examination was performed and fasting blood samples were obtained for the measurements of biochemical indicators.ResultsIn male wine-only consumers, after adjusted for age, sex, BMI, education levels, exercise and smoking habit, severe alcohol consumption (≥50.0 g/d), compared with non-alcohol consumption, conferred 53% increased risk of having MetS. In women, alcohol consumption did not have relation to the prevalence of Mets. In the beer-only, liquor-only and mixed type consumers, no significant associations between MetS or its components and the quantity of alcohol consumption were detected.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that excessive wine consumption (alcohol ≥50.0 g/d) is associated with higher prevalence of MetS in Chinese men.