Drinking spirits increases acute pancreatitis risk

Scientists have discovered that drinking a single 4cl measure of spirits can increase the risk of acute pancreatitis.

According to a study published online by BJS, the British Journal of Surgery, and undertaken by researchers from the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden, there is a direct link between spirit consumption and an increased risk of an acute attack of pancreatitis.

"Our study revealed a steady increase between each measure of spirits a person drank on one occasion and the risk of having an acute attack of pancreatitis, starting at just under ten per cent for one 4cl drink," said lead author Dr Omid Sadr-Azodi.

However, the same effect was not found in beer or wine, no matter how much was imbibed.

Dr Sadr-Azodi added that monthly consumption did not increase the risk, but conceded that the people involved in the study drank alcohol within acceptable ranges.

The study also found that people who had never smoked, were more highly educated and regularly ate fruit and vegetables were less likely to drink large quantities of beer and spirits.