Alcohol and Albuminuria?

Researchers from Australia report a study in Nephrology Dialysis and Transplantation that reveals a link between alcohol intake and the risk for albuminuria. The study was detailed in Renal and Urology News.

Compared with subjects who drank 1 or less drinks a day, those who drank 3 or more drinks / day (30 grams ethanol/day) had a significantly higher risk of developing new onset albuminuria over a 5 year follow up. The study suggests the risk was increased nearly 60%.

Is alcohol intake an overlooked risk factor for renal disease? Does moderate-to-heavy alcohol consumption accelerate proteinuria and renal decline in patients who already have proteinuric renal disease? Further studies are indicated, but it is worthwhile to consider this possibly modifiable risk factor more carefully.