Study Links Alcohol Type to Mortality Risk

Heavy alcohol consumption is known to increase the risk of death, but a new study indicates that the type of alcohol might also play a role at lower consumption levels. This research examined data from 340,924 people involved in the UK Biobank.

Findings presented at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session suggest that wine is linked to lower mortality, while beer and spirits are associated with higher risks. This data was gathered over more than 13 years, from 2006 to 2022.

In the study, participants categorized their alcohol intake as never/occasionally, low, moderate, or high. High consumption was defined specifically as over 40 grams per day for men (about three standard drinks) and over 20 grams per day for women (about 1.4 standard drinks).

Those who reported high alcohol consumption had a 24% increased risk of all-cause death, a 36% higher risk of death due to cancer, and a 14% greater risk of dying from cardiovascular issues when compared to those who drank minimally or not at all.

Interestingly, with low to moderate drinking, risks varied significantly based on the beverage type. Spirits, beer, and cider were associated with noticeably higher mortality rates. In contrast, moderate wine drinkers experienced a 21% lower risk of dying from cardiovascular causes compared to non-drinkers.

However, lower amounts of spirits, beer, or cider led to a 9% increased risk of cardiovascular death. Dr. Zhangling Chen, the study’s senior author, cautioned that while these findings apply broadly, specific high-risk groups could experience even greater risks.

“The health risks of alcohol depend not just on how much you drink but also on what you drink,” said Chen.

Wine’s lower association with mortality might be due to beneficial compounds like polyphenols and antioxidants, which positively influence cardiovascular health. Jessica Steinman, a clinical officer specializing in addiction, acknowledged the study’s insights but urged caution against overgeneralization, especially for individuals with a history of substance misuse.

She emphasized that not everyone should have alcohol as part of their daily routine, regardless of whether it’s wine, beer, or other spirits. The varying alcohol content and personal metabolism can significantly impact health outcomes.

It’s worth noting that the study has limitations. It observed correlations rather than causation, and changes in participants’ drinking habits during the study weren’t captured. Additionally, the healthier demographic of UK Biobank participants might not reflect the general population accurately.

Researchers are advocating for more rigorous randomized studies to confirm these findings and better understand the relationship between drinking habits and mortality risk.