Effects of alcohol consumption from early adolescence on FEV1: A retrospective cohort study

<bold>Background:</bold> Studies have indicated a U-shaped relationship between alcohol consumption (AC) and forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) with low-moderate AC having protective effects. <bold>Aims and objectives:</bold> The aim of this study was to elucidate the influence of age of AC debut on FEV1. The objective was to compare the FEV1 among participants with AC debut at different ages to lifetime never drinkers. <bold>Methods:</bold> In a multi-center, retrospective cohort study, 13,087 Danes aged 45-84 were sampled. Data on AC and lung function were collected through a questionnaire and spirometry measured at both baseline and follow up. Participants were stratified based on self-reported age of AC debut into age groups: <14, 14-16, 17-18, 19-20, 21-25, >25 years old and never. Linear mixed effects modelling determined the effects of age of AC debut on FEV1. Lifetime never drinkers were used as reference. Adjustments were made for age, sex, smoking parameters, asthma status and educational level. <bold>Results:</bold> In total, 4,717 participated in the initial work up (2004-05) and 2,751 completed follow (2008-09). The model showed a statistically significantly higher FEV1 in all groups compared to never drinkers. Highest FEV1 were found in age group 14-16 (Beta = 0.93, 95% CI 0.81 - 1.0 unadjusted; Beta = 0.17, 95% CI 0.07 - 0.27 adjusted). Gradually lower comparative rise in FEV1 were found with increasing age of AC debut. Lowest comparative rise in FEV1 were found in age group >25 (Beta = 0.19 L, 95% CI 0.07 - 0.31 unadjusted; Beta = 0.11 L, 95% CI 0.01 - 0.21 adjusted). <bold>Conclusion:</bold> This study suggested that AC and especially with early debut was associated with higher FEV1 compared to lifetime never drinkers.