“Most liver specialists would recommend no alcohol or at least very minimal intake for any individual with Alpha-1 whether or not there is any evidence of liver damage.
“Risk factors for the liver disease of Alpha-1 are not as well identified as those for lung disease. The liver is the largest organ in the body and is vital to keeping the body functioning normally. It removes toxins from the blood, including chemicals, germs, and bacteria. It manufactures the protein alpha-1 antitrypsin and other proteins necessary for blood clotting. The liver also plays a role in digestion and utilization of nutrients, because it produces bile that helps absorb fats and vitamins.
“It is believed that substances that can be toxic to the liver in “non-Alphas” may have increasing toxicity in individuals with Alpha-1. These liver toxins can contribute to, or compound, the liver damage that Alphas may develop, and can lead to cirrhosisCirrhosis is a condition (not a disease) that results from permanent damage or scarring of the liver. Source: Canadian Liver Foundation, liver cancer, and/or liver failure.
“Chief among the substances known to cause liver damage is alcohol. Excess alcohol consumption is by far the most common cause of toxic chemical damage to the liver in our society as a whole. The American Liver Foundation defines excessive alcohol consumption as any amount greater than two drinks per day.” AlphaNet BFRG
What can be considered excessive alcohol consumption?
Fatty Liver Disease – Canadian Liver Foundation
More than 2 drinks per day for women and 3 drinks per day for men.
One drink is equivalent to:
• 341 ml (12 oz.) bottle of 5% alcohol beer, cider or cooler or
• 142 ml (5 oz.) glass of 12% alcohol wine or
• 43 ml (1.5 oz.) serving of 40% spirits