Participation in a voluntary alcohol abstinence program (Alcohol Free for 40) with tracking of laboratory values and physical metrics improves biometric measures of health; a three-year retrospective analysis

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundLaboratory and physical metric data were available from participants of Alcohol Free for 40 (AFF40), a 40-day alcohol abstinence program in Louisiana. This study was performed to determine whether biometric changes were detectable after 40 days.Materials and MethodsThis was a retrospective data review of three cohorts of AFF40 program participants. Participant pre- and post-program data were analyzed (n=113, 2019; n=105, 2020; n=344, 2021). The intervention was self-directed, 40-day alcohol abstinence with social support. Changes in liver enzymes, cholesterol, vitamin B12, weight, body fat, and blood pressure were measured. Paired t-tests were used to compare pre- and post-program metrics.ResultsRetention rates for participation were 63% (113/179; 2019), 23% (105/449; 2020), and 86% (344/400; 2021), despite the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in 2020 and 2021. Maximal average changes were - 9 mmHg in systolic blood pressure, -4.3 mmHg in diastolic blood pressure, and -5.7 pounds of weight (all p<0.0001). Liver enzymes decreased; alanine aminotransferase decreased by 5.6 U/L, aspartate transaminase by 4.8 U/L, and gamma glutamyl transferase by 8.7 U/L (all p<0.0001). Vitamin B12 increased by 54.6 pg/mL (p<0.01). Total cholesterol dropped by 15.8 mg/dL (p<0.0001).ConclusionParticipants in abstinence programming with social support improved liver enzymes, cholesterol, body fat, and other factors during a 40-day challenge.HighlightsPrograms for voluntary abstinence from alcohol have become popular around the world (Dry January, Sober October)Alcohol Free for 40, a post-Mardi Gras abstinence program, revealed significant reductions in blood pressure, weight, fat, liver enzymes, total cholesterol, and increased vitamin B12 in participants after just 40 daysProgram retention was high except in 2020 due to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemicDieticians and other healthcare practitioners can replicate Alcohol Free for 40 for individuals or groups who want to improve metrics described in this study