Reuters reported Jan. 18 that a study of 3,176 Hispanics with an average age of 69 found that those who drank moderately -- defined as consuming alcohol at least once a month but no more than two drinks daily -- were 33 percent less likely to have a stroke due to obstructed blood supply than abstainers.

Blockages are the most common cause of stroke.

"Although alcohol consumption should not be recommended to those who do not drink, because of its potential adverse effects, our data support the view, endorsed by national stroke-prevention guidelines, that among those who are moderate drinkers, continued consumption may reduce stroke risk," wrote Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons researcher Mitchell S.V. Elkind and colleagues.

The study appears in the January 2006 issue of the journal Stroke.

Elkind, M. S. V., et al. (2006) Moderate Alcohol Consumption Reduces Risk of Ischemic Stroke: The Northern Manhattan Study. Stroke 37: 13-19.

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