This study reports on the influence of habitual alcohol drinking on
α-amylase activity in individuals yet to manifest any physical or
clinical sign associated with such drinking habit. α-Amylase
activity was determined in saliva and plasma samples from randomly
selected volunteers. Twenty-five male heavy drinkers and equivalent
number of sex, age and weight-matched non-drinkers, all in apparent
good health were enlisted for the study after obtaining their consent.
Mean α-amylase activity in saliva and plasma was significantly
higher (p<0.05) in habitual drinkers (185.0±6.0 IU/L; 113.5
± 4.0 IU/L) than in non-drinking controls (144.0 ± 8.0 IU/L;
72.5±3.5 IU/L). Significant increase in both saliva and plasma
α-amylase activity could be used in the early diagnosis of heavy
alcohol drinking
