If I understand your reply correctly, your conclusion is that epidemiologists should:
Discuss the mechanistic reasons re: the direction of IQ <-> Alcohol consumption and
Especially distrust mendelian randomization studies where (1.) isn’t strongly argued for, and which get really large estimates.
I think these are important points!
Yep!
But given the very small effects estimated here, you aren’t arguing for a change to the interpretation of the studies in the post, right? :-)
In principle, this sort of problem can also lead to smaller effects, but it’s probably less likely, so it might be fine? I mean it’s possible I’ve missed something that could make it a problem.
Looking closer, the ADH1B that the variant is in is involved in alcohol metabolism, so that probably gives a plausible idea of how the MR mechanism would work.
Yep!
In principle, this sort of problem can also lead to smaller effects, but it’s probably less likely, so it might be fine? I mean it’s possible I’ve missed something that could make it a problem.
Looking closer, the ADH1B that the variant is in is involved in alcohol metabolism, so that probably gives a plausible idea of how the MR mechanism would work.