Researchers at University College London (UCL) were surprised to find a large number of people who drink more alcohol than average but aren't considered alcoholics had unusually high rates of liver abnormalities, the Telegraph reported Oct. 27.

Scientists analyzed data from home testing kits measuring blood enzymes that indicate liver problems. Of the 1,000 subjects ages 36-55 in the study, 30 percent had liver abnormalities, the study found.

The data showed that 41 percent of those tested indicated that they drank every day, while 70 percent of participants said they drank more than the government's recommended limit (14 units of alcohol per week for women and 21 units for men). "They are representatives of working people in our society and they are at risk," said researcher Rajiv Jalan, who heads UCL's liver-failure group.

Rates of death due to liver disease have increased eightfold among men ages 35-44 in Great Britain over the past 30 years, and by seven times in women.

The findings will be published in the October 2008 issue of the Journal of Hepatology.