Alcoholic Beverages in Bangladesh-How Much We Know?

Md Islam N Ferdous N

doi:10.4172/2327-4972.1000123

Abstract

Objectives: This study was aimed to determine the names and alcohol content or strength of different alcoholic beverages used in different parts of Bangladesh and also to determine contamination with heavy metals and bacteria in some samples. Methods: Eight different types of alcoholic beverages consumed in different parts of Bangladesh were collected and studied in the laboratory of Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR). Before sending to the laboratory, samples were stored in a refrigerator at temperature 4-8 degree Celsius. In all samples, strength of ethanol content was studied. Among the samples, Dochuani and Tari was tested for heavy metal, Chubichi and Pochani studied for total viable micro-bacterial contamination. Results: In this study one sample was from Khagrachari (Hilly area) not been reported as manufacture site by the Department of narcotics control of Bangladesh before. Out of eight samples, one was of a Brand company (Keru & Co) and others homemade. Highest concentration, 81.56% was observed in Spirit followed by 37.7% in Dochuani and lowest 2.2% in Tari. Insignificant amount of heavy metal detected in Dochuani and Tari. There was no viable micro-bacterial contamination in samples tested. Conclusions: Without knowing the strength, people are using different types of homemade alcoholic beverages as such in a risk of health hazards as well as death. A national survey need to be conducted to obtain how many types of alcoholic beverages being manufactured, their strength and true picture of alcohol use so that strategy plan can be developed of its healthy use if needed at all.

Highlights

Drinks containing ethanol are commonly known as alcoholic beverages
Most research on alcoholic beverages has been performed in developed countries, but the majority of the global burden of disease attributable to alcohol is in developing countries where 80% of the world’s population lives [2]
Documentation of heavy drinking patterns in such countries [2] is available, but only a few reports summarizing the different types of alcoholic beverages and their ethanol content

Summary

Introduction

Drinks containing ethanol are commonly known as alcoholic beverages. These are legally consumed in most countries, and over 100 countries have laws regulating their production, sale, and consumption [1]. There are diverse types of alcoholic beverages in developing countries, including commercial and homemade that vary by region and area [3,4]. Documentation of heavy drinking patterns in such countries [2] is available, but only a few reports summarizing the different types of alcoholic beverages and their ethanol content. Studies have provided ethanol concentrations of homemade liquors in different parts of India, including illicit and legal non-commercial region-specific beverages [3,5]. A few reports document methods by which the estimated % ABV (Alcohol by volume) was ascertained [6]

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion