Institute for beer!

The brewers want to help the science boost the image of beer. Their Knowledge Institute Beer mixed opinion.

Beer brewers have created a Knowledge Institute, which calls attention to "the scientific bases of responsible beer consumption." Three professors will participate.

"We want facts and myths about drinking beer in a row set. There is plenty to explore, "said French Cook, professor of Nutrition and Health at Wageningen University.

Cook is chairman of the Knowledge Institute, Amsterdam colleague Joop van der duty (professor of social psychology) is also on the board. A third office was occupied by Arne Astrup, professor of human nutrition, an international expert on obesity. The professor came in recent years in Denmark also discredited because of conflict of interest.

Some scientists have criticized the participation of professors at an institute set up by business. "It is legitimate that the image of beer brewers looking to improve. But scientists here told not to borrow, "says Martijn Katan, professor of nutrition at the VU. "Alcohol causes many diseases, people do not. Women are often unaware that beer and other alcoholic beverages increases their risk of breast cancer. It starts with the first slide. "

Initiator of the Knowledge Institute, the Central Beer Brewery Office, which the Dutch beer together. The office has a seat on the board of the institute together with the CEO of Heineken, Philip Knight. Heineken responded yesterday to questions.

The new institute will organize round tables "on beer and health" with experts from the field. On October 13, officials from four ministries, including Health, in a hotel Hague invited. The Public Health Service, Heart Foundation, RIVM and diabetes federation requested. "We participate in that conversation," says Victor Ever Hardt of the Trimbos Institute, on behalf of Health is responsible for alcohol awareness. "We do have our doubts. Much has been known about alcohol consumption. "

The brewery business pays according to Professor Cook annually in five years 250,000 euros to the institute. The brewers themselves would not comment on the financing. "It is so agreed," said director Jack Verhoek. "We are with Heineken in the administration because we finance institution like the finger on the pulse."

According Cook industry has a minority position on the board and will therefore be unable to determine the research agenda. "Once that happens, I'm gone. But I do not believe in. There is still a lot of beer to investigate. Often thought that your beer is thicker than wine. You are not fat beer, but the snacks that you eat there. There are gaps in knowledge, we want to do something. With that knowledge, dieticians and physicians can benefit. "

The institute says knowledge to comply with the directive of the Health. Besides the harmful effects of alcohol, the Council noted that moderate use in elderly men and postmenopausal women "probably" reduce the mortality risk. The board recommended a maximum of two drinks per day for men and more than one glass for women.