Moderate alcohol intake reduces risk of ischemic stroke in Korea : Author Response

Abstract

The conclusion of the study by Lee et al.1 should be limited to about 60% of Koreans with normal acetaldehyde-metabolizing capacity from intact aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2). The nondrinker reference group appeared to be largely different from those of similar Western studies, potentially more prone to stroke, likely suggesting overestimation of beneficial effect by moderate alcohol intake.