Johannes Scherr (1), Malaika Fischer (2); (1) Technische Universität München, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Präventive und rehabilitative Sportmedizin, Munich, Germany; (2) ERDINGER Weissbraeu, Erding, Germany

Nutrition/Health
Poster

Long-term consumption of fruits and vegetables has been linked to disease preventing effects that are attributed, in part, to the presence of phenolic compounds. These substances have strong anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-pathogenic properties. Therefore, the use of polyphenol-rich supplements might be a promising approach to prevent inflammation-associated diseases, such as atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, sudden cardiac death, cancer, and diabetes mellitus. Alcoholic beverages contain numerous nonalcoholic compounds that also have potential health value. More than 2,000 organic and inorganic chemicals have been identified in beer, including more than 50 polyphenolic compounds from barley and hops. Beer is a major contributor to dietary phenolic intake and contains 366–875 mg of polyphenols per liter, with non-alcoholic beer having lower polyphenol contents than alcoholic beer. Nevertheless, non-alcoholic beer might serve as a supplier of polyphenols without having the adverse effects of alcohol. Within this lecture the effects of non-alcoholic beer with respect to the cardiovascular and immune systems, gastrointestinal tract and psychological effects will be presented, and potential effects regarding carcinogenesis will be addressed. Furthermore, possible positive effects in terms of sports will be discussed. On a final note, potential adverse effects concerning breastfeeding and eventually measurable increases in blood alcohol concentration will be debated.

Johannes Scherr finished his study in medicine in Freiburg, Germany in 2005 and started working at the University Heart Center Freiburg/Bad Krozingen. In 2007 he moved to Munich, Germany, and started working at the university hospital Klinikum rechts der Isar, first as an assistant physician and, since 2014, as a senior physician, senior lecturer and an appointment as associate professor. His research is mainly focused on the effects of strenuous and prolonged exercise and the possibility to influence exercise-induced changes with (immuno-) nutrition. In addition to his research activities he is also the head team physician of the German national team in alpine skiing and also responsible for the medical care of a lot of elite athletes within several other disciplines (including Olympic medalists and world champions).