Rates of alcoholic cirrhosis are higher in colder, less sunny regions of the world, new study finds. New data presented at the International Liver Congress in Amsterdam.

An international team of researchers who analyzed data from 190 countries found that for every 1 degree Celsius increase in temperature, the proportion of alcoholic cirrhosis decreases by 0.3%.. Scientists have hypothesized that colder countries have a higher alcohol consumption and, consequently, a higher proportion of alcoholic cirrhosis.. They believe that drinking alcohol causes a feeling of warmth, and less sunlight causes depression, which is also commonly treated with alcohol abuse..

" Shah of the University of North Carolina. As average temperature and daylight hours decrease and latitude increases, rates of alcohol-related cirrhosis increase. This suggests that excessive alcohol consumption to combat cold and darkness may increase the risk of alcoholic cirrhosis.”.

The research team, made up of scientists from Canada, Mexico, Spain and the United States, conducted a comprehensive analysis of data from 193 countries taken from the WHO and World Meteorological Organization databases.. They collated information on alcohol consumption, average temperature, climate, latitude, and daylight hours per year to determine their effect on alcohol-induced liver cirrhosis..

According to scientists, the obtained data will help to give recommendations to the governments of the Nordic countries to reduce the level of alcoholic cirrhosis..

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