Alcohol and liver disease.

It has recently been shown that alcohol may produce liver damage even in the presence of adequate nutrition. Absolute intake, regardless of the type of alcoholic beverage consumed, appears to be the important determinant of whether liver damage will occur. The spectrum of liver injury produced by alcohol includes fatty liver, hepatitis, and cirrhosis. Liver biopsy is necessary for confirmation and to determine prognosis. Therapy includes abstinence, supportive care and nutritional replacement.