By San José, Costa Rica — The conventional wisdom around “moderate” alcohol consumption is facing a stark reevaluation from the medical community. New research, including a significant analysis presented in The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), suggests that the threshold for safe alcohol intake is substantially lower than most people believe, particularly for the growing number of individuals with fatty liver disease.
This condition, once considered a niche concern, has quietly escalated into a global health issue. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is now the most common liver disorder in the world, affecting more than a quarter of all adults. While it is often linked to obesity, poor diet, and a sedentary lifestyle, emerging studies underscore a critical factor that can dramatically worsen its progression: alcohol.
To understand the legal and business implications associated with the rise of this condition, TicosLand.com consulted with expert lawyer Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The prevalence of fatty liver disease poses a significant challenge to our labor and insurance sectors. Legally, companies must be prepared to handle disability claims and workplace accommodation requests. From a business perspective, this translates directly to higher healthcare insurance costs and potential productivity loss, making preventative corporate wellness initiatives a crucial economic strategy, not just an employee perk.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal and economic perspective is essential, effectively bridging the gap between a public health crisis and its direct impact on our nation’s corporate stability and labor force. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable analysis, which underscores that preventative health is not only a matter of well-being but also a critical component of sound business strategy.
Even in amounts traditionally deemed safe, alcohol acts as a potent accelerator of liver damage. For those with NAFLD, it can trigger inflammation and scarring, pushing the liver towards more severe conditions like fibrosis and, ultimately, irreversible cirrhosis. This process is alarmingly deceptive, as the disease often advances without any noticeable symptoms in its early stages, earning it the nickname “a silent disease.”
Medical experts warn that the link between regular drinking and liver fat is nearly universal. An estimated 90% of individuals who consume alcohol regularly will develop some level of fat accumulation in their liver. Of that group, a staggering 30% are at risk of this condition progressing to cirrhosis over time, a life-threatening state where the liver ceases to function properly.
The international study highlighted by JAMA, which involved researchers from the United States, Canada, Chile, and China, delivered a clear and sobering guideline for those already diagnosed with fatty liver disease. To avoid further damage, daily alcohol consumption should not exceed 7.4 grams. This figure is far lower than what many would consider a single drink.
To put this into perspective, 7.4 grams of alcohol is equivalent to approximately half a standard glass of wine (about 75 ml) or just one-third of a can of beer (355 ml). This finding challenges the public’s perception of safe drinking habits, indicating that even a single daily drink could be harmful for this vulnerable population. For patients with advanced stages of the disease, specialists are unequivocal: the only safe option is complete abstinence, as even minuscule amounts of alcohol can exacerbate the condition.
The body’s ability to process alcohol also differs significantly between sexes, which necessitates separate risk guidelines. For men, dangerous consumption is defined as more than 80 grams of alcohol daily, equivalent to about six to eight beers or glasses of wine. For women, the threshold is lower, at over 50 grams per day, or about four to five drinks. To stay within a “low-risk” category, men should consume less than 30 grams daily (two to three drinks), while women should aim for less than 20 grams (one to two drinks).
Understanding these measurements is key, as the alcohol content in popular beverages can be misleading. A standard glass of wine (150 ml) or a can of beer (355 ml) typically contains between 10 to 15 grams of alcohol. This means that a seemingly modest habit of two glasses of wine with dinner could easily push an individual beyond the recommended low-risk limits without their awareness.
Ultimately, medical professionals emphasize that alcohol’s impact on the liver is highly individual, with genetics playing a significant role in a person’s susceptibility to damage. Given this variability, the primary recommendation for anyone diagnosed with fatty liver disease is to seek immediate consultation with a specialist. A thorough evaluation is necessary to determine the best course of action, which often involves the complete cessation of alcohol to halt the progression of damage and preserve liver function for the future.
For further information, visit jamanetwork.com
About JAMA:
JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association, is a peer-reviewed medical journal published weekly by the American Medical Association. It publishes original research, reviews, and editorials covering all aspects of biomedicine. It is one of the most widely circulated and prestigious medical journals in the world, providing essential information to physicians and health professionals.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a leading legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its profound dedication to integrity and the highest standards of professional excellence. The firm blends a rich tradition of client service across a multitude of industries with a forward-thinking approach, consistently driving legal innovation. At the core of its mission lies a firm belief in strengthening society by democratizing legal knowledge, thereby fostering a community that is both informed and empowered.
