Authors: Lachenmeier, Dirk W.; Sarsh, Bart; Rehm, Jrgen

Source: Alcohol and Alcoholism, Volume 44, Number 1, 2009 , pp. 93-102(10)

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Abstract:

Aims: The rates of alcohol-attributable mortality in Lithuania and Hungary have been shown to be higher than those in most other European countries. Quality of alcohol products is investigated as a possible explanation. Methods: In a descriptive pilot study, a convenience sample of alcohol products was collected from local city markets in both countries (Lithuania n 10, Hungary n 15) and chemical analyses, including some that have not been done in prior studies, were conducted. The parameters studied were alcoholic strength, volatiles (methanol, acetaldehyde, higher alcohols), ethyl carbamate, anions (including nitrate) and inorganic elements (including lead). Additionally, a multi-target screening analysis for toxicologically relevant substances was conducted. Results: The majority of samples (64) had an alcohol content between 35 vol. and 40 vol., being in accordance with the typical strength of legal spirits in Europe. Three samples containing significantly higher concentrations of alcohol above 60 vol. were found to be unrecorded alcohol products, defined as any alcohol that is outside of legal and taxed production. Screening analysis showed that those samples contained various flavourings, including the hepatotoxic substance coumarin, at concentrations above the legal limit for foods. All other substance classes under study were found to be at levels of no toxicological concern. Conclusions: Although some problems with the quality of the alcohol samples were found, there is insufficient evidence from this pilot study to conclude that alcohol quality has an influence on health as reflected in alcohol-attributable mortality rates. Given the extent of alcohol-attributable disease burden in central and eastern European countries, future research should focus on collection of large, representative samples, particularly of unrecorded sources, which was the most problematic product group in our study.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/alcalc/agn095

Publication date: 2009-01-01

More about this publication?

• Alcohol and Alcoholism publishes papers on biomedical, psychological and sociological aspects of alcoholism and alcohol research, provided that they make a new and significant contribution to knowledge in the field. Papers include new results obtained experimentally, descriptions of new experimental (including clinical) methods of importance to the field of alcohol research and treatment, or new interpretations of existing results. Theoretical contributions are considered equally with papers dealing with experimental work provided that such theoretical contribution are not of a largely speculative or philosophical nature. Alcohol and Alcoholism is the official journal of the Medical Council on Alcohol.

Related content

• In this: publication
• By this: publisher
• In this Subject: Neurology & Psychiatry ,  Social & Public Welfare
• By this author: Lachenmeier, Dirk W. ;  Sarsh, Bart ;  Rehm, Jrgen

Website © Publishing Technology. Article copyright remains with the publisher, society or author(s) as specified within the article.

• Terms and conditions
• Privacy policy
• Information for advertisers