The epidemiological evidence that regular light to moderate alcohol consumption protects against IHD is strengthened by growing and, in some instances, substantial evidence concerning the biological mechanisms by which a protective effect could be mediated [84;120-123]. First, moderate alcohol intake has been clearly linked to favourable lipid profiles, especially an increase in HDL [84;124]. It has been estimated that as much as 40%-50% of the protective effect may be attributable to this mechanism [125;126]. Gene interactions may play a role in influencing HDL levels as well [127-129], but more work may be required to more fully explain this complex pathway [130].
