[Alcohol consumption and risk of cancer].

Alcohol is carcinogenic to humans. There is convincing evidence that alcohol intake increases the risk of cancers of the mouth, pharynx, larynx, oesophagus (squamous cell carcinoma), liver and colorectum, and breast cancer among postmenopausal women. Research indicates that no safe lower limit of intake exists. The risk increases with the amount of alcohol, and in most studies all types of alcohol, like wine, beer and spirits increase the risk. A substantial number of cancer cases could be prevented by a reduction in alcohol intake.

[Coffee can protect against disease]. / Kaffe kan beskytte mod sygdom.

A moderate daily intake of 3-4 cups of coffee has convincing protective effects against development of type 2 diabetes and Parkinson's disease. The literature also indicates that moderate coffee intake reduces the risk of stroke, the overall risk of cancer, Alzheimer's disease, suicide and depression. However, pregnant women, people suffering from anxiety disorder and persons with a low calcium intake should restrain from moderate or high intake of coffee due to uncertainty regarding potential negative effects on pregnancy, anxiety and risk of osteoporosis, respectively.

[A prospective study of drinking habits and coronary heart disease in middle-aged Danish men and women - secondary publication]. / En prospektiv undersøgelse af drikkemønster og koronar hjertesygdom blandt midaldrende danske maend og kvinder - sekundaerpublikation.

Individuals with a moderate alcohol intake are at lower risk of heart disease than abstainers. In this study, we examined whether the frequency of alcohol intake plays a role in this association. Among men, we observed a low risk of coronary heart disease among frequent drinkers that was independent of the total weekly intake. Among women, we observed a low risk of coronary heart disease that was independent of the drinking frequency. These sex differences in the association of alcohol with coronary heart disease deserve more research.

[Selenium and health]. / Selen og sundhed.

Selenium is an essential micronutrient. The average selenium intake in Danish adults is close to the recommended level of 40-50 mg/day. There is no scientific documentation showing that an increased selenium intake will result in disease prevention. However, a preventive effect on some cancers and hearth disease cannot be ruled out. Fortification of foods via increased selenium content in fertilizers is a possible way of increasing selenium intake. The tolerable upper intake level of 60 mg/day in children 1-3 years old must not be exceeded, which makes fortification difficult.