An Unobvious Factor in Severe Liver Damage Identified 0 11

Rare episodes of heavy alcohol consumption can significantly increase the risk of serious liver damage. This conclusion was reached by researchers from the University of Southern California, and their findings were published in the journal Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology (CGH).

The study showed that individuals with metabolically associated fatty liver disease (MASLD) have nearly three times the risk of developing fibrosis — dangerous scarring of tissues — if they consume large amounts of alcohol at least once a month in a single day. This refers to so-called episodic abuse: four or more drinks for women and five or more for men at one time.

The researchers analyzed data from over 8,000 adults from the national health database of the United States and compared individuals with the same average level of alcohol consumption. It turned out that not only the total volume matters, but also the pattern of consumption: those who "drink rarely but heavily" face a higher risk of liver damage than those who distribute the same volume evenly.

The authors explain this by stating that large doses of alcohol in a short time overload the liver and exacerbate inflammation, which over time leads to tissue scarring. Individuals who are overweight, diabetic, or have other metabolic disorders are particularly vulnerable.