Conclusions
In summary, we show that a relatively short interval of abstinence from moderate alcohol consumption by early postmenopausal women results in increased serum levels of the biochemical markers of bone formation and bone resorption and that subsequent resumption of alcohol intake in the diet rapidly reduces the levels of these markers. Thus, our findings support the hypothesis that moderate dietary alcohol consumption may slow bone loss in postmenopausal women by attenuating increased bone turnover. The observed actions provide a plausible cellular mechanism for the positive association between moderate alcohol consumption and BMD observed in postmenopausal women. Further studies are required to determine if moderate dietary alcohol consumption, in addition to lowering biochemical markers of bone turnover, alters the negative bone remodeling balance in postmenopausal women.