We’re not trying to scare those of you with blue eyes, but the following new study is interesting to note:
Recent findings from the University of Vermont suggest that people with light-colored eyes—which researchers defined as blue, green, gray, or with brown in the center—are significantly more likely to develop an alcohol dependency. And those with blue eyes have the highest risk.
For the study, researchers examined data from more than 10,000 individuals—consisting of mostly African Americans and European Americans diagnosed with at least one psychiatric illness, ranging from depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and/or addiction. The scientists then filtered out those of European ancestry with alcohol-dependent issues. They discovered a sample of more than 1,200 participants, who were dependent on alcohol, and who also had mostly light-colored eyes.
The study outlines the genetic components that determine eye color and shows that they line up along the same chromosome as the genes related to excessive alcohol use.
Although, the scientists admit further research must be done, they are hopeful that this newfound data can be used to help diagnose and treat alcoholism.
Interestingly, a Georgia State University published in 2000 found that people with light-colored eyes “consumed significantly more alcohol” than their dark-eyed peers.
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Relevant source:
Curated from Science World Report
