Researchers from the University of Tsukuba found, for the first time, that nonalcoholic beverage intake significantly reduced alcohol consumption, and this reduction persisted 8 weeks after discontinuing nonalcoholic beverage consumption. Further, the study indicated that this reduction in alcohol consumption may be related to the "replacement" of alcoholic beverages with nonalcoholic beverages.

Tsukuba, Japan—Excessive alcohol consumption is a global challenge and is included in the Sustainable Development Goals, also known as the Global Goals, adopted by the United Nations. One strategy to reduce excessive alcohol consumption is the promotion of nonalcoholic beverages, such as beer-taste and cocktail-taste beverages. However, until now, there has been a lack of research data on the impact of providing nonalcoholic beverages on the quantity of alcohol consumed.

This randomized controlled study included adults aged ≥20 years and excluded patients with alcohol dependence. A total of 123 participants were categorized into the intervention group, which consumed nonalcoholic beverages for 12 weeks, and the control group. The results revealed a significantly greater reduction in alcohol consumption in the intervention group compared with the control group, and this reduction persisted even after 8 weeks of intervention. The intervention group consumed an average of 11.5 g of pure alcohol equivalent per day at 12 weeks, which was lower than that before the intervention. The increase in nonalcoholic beverage consumption was associated with a decrease in alcohol intake in the intervention group, indicating that nonalcoholic beverages may have replaced alcoholic beverages in their consumption.

These results indicate the effectiveness of nonalcoholic beverages in reducing excessive alcohol consumption. Identifying scientifically validated methods for reducing alcohol consumption is expected to benefit society by providing interventions for individuals with excessive alcohol consumption and informing policy-making.

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This study was conducted jointly with Asahi Breweries, LTD., which provided funding.

Original Paper

Title of original paper:

Effect of provision of non-alcoholic beverages on alcohol consumption: A randomized controlled study

Journal:

BMC Medicine

DOI:

10.1186/s12916-023-03085-1

Correspondence

Associate Professor YOSHIMOTO Hisashi
Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba / Director of the R&D Center for Lifestyle Innovation

Related Link

Institute of Medicine