Changes in alcohol consumption and their association with lipid profiles among Korean adults aged 40-69 years: the Korea Genome and Epidemiology Study

Abstract

Background and aim: Alcohol consumption influences lipid profiles and cardiovascular risk; however, the longitudinal effects of changes in drinking behavior on serum lipid levels remain unclear. This study evaluated associations between alcohol initiation and cessation and changes in lipid profiles among Korean adults. Methods and results: We analyzed data from the community-based Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (KoGES), including adults aged 40-69 years. Changes in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides, and total cholesterol were assessed across follow-up visits. Associations between changes in alcohol intake—initiation, cessation, and average number of standard drinks per day—and lipid changes were estimated using generalized estimating equations adjusted for demographic, lifestyle, and clinical factors. Compared with individuals who remained non-consumers, alcohol initiation was associated with increased HDL-C levels (β = 1.07; 95% CI, 0.60 to 1.55; p < 0.001), with no significant change in LDL-C. Compared with continued consumers, alcohol cessation was associated with decreased HDL-C (β = −2.37; 95% CI, −3.80 to −1.94; p < 0.001), triglycerides (β = −2.92; 95% CI, −5.81 to −0.02; p = 0.049), and total cholesterol (β = −2.30; 95% CI, −3.80 to −0.79; p = 0.003). Each one-standard drink/day increase was associated with higher HDL-C (β = 0.94; 95% CI, 0.51 to 1.36; p < 0.001) and lower LDL-C (β = −0.87; 95% CI, −1.68 to −0.05; p = 0.037). Conclusions: Alcohol initiation and cessation were associated with distinct lipid changes, highlighting metabolic implications of drinking patterns and supporting moderation in alcohol consumption.