Participation in a voluntary alcohol abstinence program (Alcohol Free for 40) with tracking of laboratory values and physical metrics improves biometric measures of health; a three-year retrospective analysis

BackgroundLaboratory and physical metric data were available from participants of Alcohol Free for 40 (AFF40), a 40-day alcohol abstinence program in Louisiana. This study was performed to determine whether biometric changes were detectable after 40 days. Materials and MethodsThis was a retrospective data review of three cohorts of AFF40 program participants. Participant pre- and post-program data were analyzed (n=113, 2019; n=105, 2020; n=344, 2021). The intervention was self-directed, 40-day alcohol abstinence with social support. Changes in liver enzymes, cholesterol, vitamin B12, weight, body fat, and blood pressure were measured. Paired t-tests were used to compare pre- and post-program metrics. ResultsRetention rates for participation were 63% (113/179; 2019), 23% (105/449; 2020), and 86% (344/400; 2021), despite the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in 2020 and 2021. Maximal average changes were - 9 mmHg in systolic blood pressure, -4.3 mmHg in diastolic blood pressure, and -5.7 pounds of weight (all p<0.0001). Liver enzymes decreased; alanine aminotransferase decreased by 5.6 U/L, aspartate transaminase by 4.8 U/L, and gamma glutamyl transferase by 8.7 U/L (all p<0.0001). Vitamin B12 increased by 54.6 pg/mL (p<0.01). Total cholesterol dropped by 15.8 mg/dL (p<0.0001). ConclusionParticipants in abstinence programming with social support improved liver enzymes, cholesterol, body fat, and other factors during a 40-day challenge. HighlightsO_LIPrograms for voluntary abstinence from alcohol have become popular around the world (Dry January, Sober October) C_LIO_LIAlcohol Free for 40, a post-Mardi Gras abstinence program, revealed significant reductions in blood pressure, weight, fat, liver enzymes, total cholesterol, and increased vitamin B12 in participants after just 40 days C_LIO_LIProgram retention was high except in 2020 due to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic C_LIO_LIDieticians and other healthcare practitioners can replicate Alcohol Free for 40 for individuals or groups who want to improve metrics described in this study C_LI