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According to The Telegraph, scientists previously knew that moderate levels of alcohol could protect against gallstones, but did not know how much was needed.
Gallstones occur when bile from the gallbladder, which is normally fluid, forms stones. They can be extremely painful, and treatment often involves surgery to remove the gallbladder.
Approximately one in 10 people will develop gallstones, which can be caused by infections, family history or too much cholesterol.
Researchers from the University of East Anglia studied the diets of 25,639 people over a period of 10 years. During that time, 267 of the volunteers developed gallstones. Overall, those who consumed two units of alcohol a day saw their chances of developing gallstones fall by one third.
"These findings significantly increase our understanding of the development of gallstones," said Dr Andrew Hart, senior lecturer in gastroenterology at the university. "Once we examine all the factors related to their development in our study in Britain -- including diet, exercise, body weight and alcohol intake -- we can develop a precise understanding of what causes gallstones and how to prevent them."
Dr. Hart presented his findings at the Digestive Disease Week annual meeting in Chicago.
A standard 175-ml. glass of wine contains around two units. The findings indicate that women should not drink more than two to three units a day, and men should limit their intake to between three and four units a day.
