Impacto do consumo de cerveja sobre a densidade óssea: um estudo de revisão

Abstract

Beer is one of the most widely consumed alcoholic beverages in the world and its consumption is a global phenomenon. The popularity of this drink resulted in several studies on different nutrient profiles and the detection of components with physiological actions. The fact that beer is a source of silicon – a mineral present in the bones and necessary for the maintenance of bone density – brought questions about the potential benefits associated with the consumption of this beverage and its effects on bones. It is well known that excessive and prolonged alcohol consumption causes the appearance of numerous adverse effects on the body. However, there are a growing number of studies correlating moderate consumption of beer – considered to be a safe level, since it is not associated with the appearance of the harmful effects of alcohol – with positive results in the body. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate – based on cientific studies – the effects of moderate beer consumption on bone mineral density, portraying mainly silicon actions. The methodology used was a literature review, with the material about the subject published in scientific journals and articles, newspapers, electronic media, textbooks of national and international publication, with publications being used until the year of 2015 and available on the following databases: MEDLINE, SciELO, Periódicos CAPES. The studies discussed in this review have shown that moderate beer consumption resulted in increased bone density at several sites in men and in pre and postmenopausal women. Thus, this review highlights the importance to continue to explore the relevance of silicon to bone health. A larger number of interventional studies correlating moderate consumption of beer with an increase in bone density is necessary to establish if there is, indeed, a relationship of cause and effect.