ALCOHOL-CONSUMPTION MODIFIES THE TOTAL LUNG CAPACITY IN SMOKERS

Smoking-related airflow obstruction can develop with or without emphys ema. Moderate alcohol consumption has been suggested to diminish the r isk of centrilobular emphysema caused by smoking. Our aim was to study the influence of total energy and nutrient (protein, fat, carbohydrat e and alcohol) intake on smoking-related emphysema. Lung function and nutrient intake including alcohol consumption were recorded at the age of 68 years in 478 men as part of the population study 'Men Born in 1 914' in Malmo, Sweden. In nonsmokers (n = 88) and ex-smokers (n = 223) , there were no significant relationships between energy and nutrient intake and lung function. In smokers (n = 167), men in the highest and lowest quintile of total lung capacity (TLC) differed in alcohol inta ke (p = 0.004) but not in intake of total energy or other nutrients. I n smokers with a forced expiratory volume in I s/vital capacity ratio of below 70% (n = 81), alcohol intake was positively correlated with T LC (r = 0.31; p = 0.006) after adjustment for smoking and body mass in dex. We conclude that in men with smoking-related airway obstruction, emphysema defined as large TLC was associated with high alcohol consum ption but not with the intake of total energy or other nutrients.