In view of the lack of scientific evidence on what is the best recommendation that health professionals can make regarding alcohol consumption in people who already consume alcohol, the project NAMETI (Navarra Medical Trialist Initiative). Led by researchers from the department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health of the School of Medicine of the University of Navarra, in collaboration with former graduates of the School of Medicine, this pilot project , pioneer in the world, is looking for volunteers to investigate the effects of alcohol in the population.

Dr. Miguel Á. Martínez-González, director of the department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health of the School of Medicine of the University of Navarra and researcher of several research projects that have inspired this pilot study, states: "NAMETI, for now geographically limited to Navarra, will give rise to a unique study on alcohol consumption at national level, which will provide scientific evidence that is currently non-existent and much needed". 

He also presents that "alcohol is a problem because of its high consumption and its effects on health. Already since 2016 it has been the leading risk factor among people aged 15-49 years, both for premature deaths and loss of years of life. This stems, among other things, from the increased risk of traffic accidents and other violent deaths, various types of cancer and communicable diseases. In addition, high alcohol consumption increases the risk of ischaemic heart disease, diabetes and ischaemic stroke". 

For this reason, Dr. Martínez-González, also Full Professor visitor at the Harvard School of Public Health, assures: "We are very excited that it is in this Autonomous Community where what aspires to be the largest essay ever carried out on alcohol consumption, and which can do so much good for public health, will be born".

Consumption of at least three alcoholic beverages per week

Dr Maira Bes-Rastrollo, also Professor of Preventive Medicine and Public Health at the University of Navarra, and principal investigator of NAMETI, reports that "in order to participate, volunteers are required to be people who already consume at least three alcoholic drinks a week", and adds: "This pilot, which lasts twelve months, consists of several phases. On the one hand, at the beginning and at the end, we will send participants a questionnaire on lifestyles and food and drink consumption. There will also be two face-to-face visits to a enquiry, where weight and height will be recorded, an electrocardiogram and report tests will be carried out, as well as blood and urine samples taken. In addition, a very shortonline questionnaire focusing on alcohol consumption will be completed every fortnight. Those interested can register or ask for more information at nameti@unav.es.

"If the pandemic has brought one good thing, it is the desire of many people to support science, wondering how they might do so. In this January, a month of resolutions, and with all the hope of a year ahead, we encourage all those who meet the requirements and who want to support scientific research on a topic that causes so much havoc in society to participate," says Dr Bes-Rastrollo.

Throughout the study, participants will have to follow some recommendations on alcohol consumption, through specific material that each participant will have available on a personalised website. In addition, they will receive advice from a dietician-nutritionist via telematic means.