Ask the Experts: Moderate Alcohol Intake; Cracked Eggs; Nutritional Genetic Tests

Q. If we drink, we’re advised to do so in moderation (limiting it to one drink daily for women, two for men). What is the basis for this advice?

A. Alice H. Lichtenstein, ScD, Gershoff Professor of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts’ Friedman School, says, “The definition of moderate alcohol intake for the US population is based on observational research looking at the association between different amounts of alcohol intake and risk of mortality (dying) and morbidity (disease). It represents a general, population-wide recommendation.

“But, there are a number of factors that alter the body’s response to alcohol intake. According to the CDC, these include age, sex, race or ethnicity, physical condition (such as weight and fitness level), the amount of food consumed before drinking alcohol, how quickly the alcohol is consumed, use of certain drugs or prescription medicines and family history of alcohol problems. And, there are many people who should not drink, such as women who are or who may be pregnant and people with certain medical conditions.

“The lower alcohol limit advised for women is because a single alcoholic beverage affects women more than men. That’s due in part to differences in body size and body composition, which result in higher peak blood alcohol levels in women versus men for the same amount of alcohol intake. And compared to men, women are more likely to have lower levels of the enzyme that breaks down alcohol, so alcohol tends to remain in women’s bodies longer. These differences also increase women’s risk of long-term health problems related to drinking.”

Q. If there is a crack in the shell of an egg, is it still OK to use?

A. Lynne Ausman, DSc, RD, director of the Master of Nutrition Science and Policy program at Tufts’ Friedman School, answers: “Bacteria associated with food-borne illness (food poisoning), including Salmonella, can enter eggs through cracks in the shells. In a study published in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, eggs with large cracks in the shells were more likely to contain Salmonella compared to eggs without cracks or only hairline cracks (viewed with the help of light in a process called candling). So, check eggs before purchasing to avoid buying those with obviously-cracked shells.

“If eggs crack while transporting them home from the store, the USDA advises breaking any cracked eggs into a clean container. Tightly cover the container and refrigerate it, using the eggs within two days. If eggs crack during hard boiling, they are still safe to consume.

“Keep in mind that even non-cracked eggs may be contaminated with Salmonella. The USDA says the number of eggs affected is quite small but cautions us to always handle eggs safely. That includes only buying refrigerated eggs, putting eggs in the refrigerator as soon as you get home from the store (bacteria multiply quickly at room temperature) and cooking eggs thoroughly, until both the white and yolk are firm.” For more information on egg safety, visit , and search on “shell eggs from farm to table.”

Q. Online companies say they can help me find the best diet and exercise for my genetics, based on my DNA sample. Is this type of test worthwhile?

A. José M. Ordovás, PhD, director of the Nutrition and Genomics Research Lab at Tufts’ HNRCA, responds: “The ability to tailor dietary advice based on genetic testing is an area that has been the subject of a considerable amount of research for more than two decades. However, using nutritional genetic tests to identify your optimal diet, such as to lose weight or to improve your cholesterol levels, is a work in progress. Although we have identified several genes that are informative, we are not there yet in terms of providing practical and successful nutritional advice based solely on genetic information. (The same is true for testing to determine one’s best exercise/workout.)

“Still, there are more obvious things that can be detected with such tests. For example, they can indicate whether you are prone to lactose intolerance or whether you can likely drink coffee and still be able to sleep at night (based on your genetics for metabolizing caffeine). You probably have already figured out these things without a genetic test, though.

“If you’re curious enough to test and have the extra money (tests may cost a few hundred dollars or more), at least test in consultation with a health professional, such as a doctor or dietitian, trained in the interpretation of the data. Some tests are available only through health professionals; others are sold directly to consumers.”

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