[Alcohol consumption and liver enzymes in persons 30-50 years of age. Cross-sectional study from Ebeltoft].

In a representative population sample of 905 persons we examined the prevalence of raised levels of liver-derived enzymes and its possible association with self-reported alcohol consumption adjusted for smoking and BMI applying logistic regression analyses. A large proportion of 12% (women 8%; men 16%) presented raised liver-derived enzymes. Below 21 units per week (one unit equals 12 grams of alcohol) there was no association with self-reported alcohol consumption. However, the risk of abnormal liver enzymes increased with higher consumption for both sexes; if the intake was above 28 units per week, the odds ratio for raised liver enzymes increased dramatically. Whether this subclinical biochemical liver condition is an early marker of alcohol-related liver damage remains to be seen, but the long-term consequences of the reported alcohol consumption and the frequency of raised liver enzymes require follow-up.