Mixed
Chronic alcohol consumption causes selective atrophy of Type II muscle fibers and reduced muscle mass (up to 30%) through direct inhibition of protein synthesis and increased RNA degradation, independent of neuropathy or malnutrition.
Chronic heavy drinking directly shrinks your muscles, especially fast-twitch fibers, by blocking protein building and breaking down RNA. This happens even if you eat well and have healthy nerves. The only effective treatment is abstinence, which can reverse the atrophy over 6-12 months, though strength recovery may be incomplete.
Chronic alcoholic myopathy is characterized by selective atrophy of Type II fibres and the entire muscle mass may be reduced by up to 30%. ... Alcohol and acetaldehyde are potent inhibitors of muscle protein synthesis, and both contractile and non-contractile proteins are affected by acute and chronic alcohol dosage. Muscle RNA is also reduced by mechanisms involving increased RNase activities.
Why this rating
Supported by multiple human studies (Martin et al., Urbano-Marquez et al.) and animal models showing consistent histological and biochemical changes.
Source
Alcoholic skeletal muscle myopathy: definitions, features, contribution of neuropathy, impact and diagnosis
Victor R. Preedy et al. · European Journal of Neurology · 2001
DOI 10.1046/j.1468-1331.2001.00303.x
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