High alcohol consumption is associated with poorer health outcomes regardless of the beverage type. However, recent research suggests that the effects of low to moderate drinking might vary depending on the alcohol consumed.
For instance, drinking spirits, beer, and cider has been linked to a higher risk of mortality, while wine tends to be associated with lower risks. Moderate wine drinkers saw a 21 percent reduction in the likelihood of dying from cardiovascular issues, whereas even minimal consumption of other alcoholic drinks was tied to a 9 percent increase in risk.
Zhangling Chen, the senior author of the study, pointed out that these findings stem from a general population sample, meaning individuals with chronic illnesses or cardiovascular problems may face even greater risks.
Study Methodology
This study, which will be presented at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session, analyzed data from over 340,000 adults in the UK Biobank between 2006 and 2022. Participants were categorized based on their alcohol intake, measured in grams of pure alcohol, and were monitored for an average period exceeding 13 years.
When comparing heavy drinkers to those who never or rarely drank, the former were 24 percent more likely to die from any cause, 36 percent more at risk for cancer-related deaths, and 14 percent more likely to die from heart disease.
However, at lower levels of consumption, risks varied by type of alcohol. Spirits, beer, or cider were linked to greater mortality risks, whereas wine consumption showed a correlation with reduced risks.
Chen commented that the findings clarify previous mixed evidence regarding low to moderate alcohol intake. This research may help refine guidelines, indicating that health risks aren’t just about how much alcohol is consumed, but also which specific type is being drunk.
Researchers propose that compounds in wine, such as polyphenols and antioxidants, may help explain these differences, alongside broader lifestyle factors. It’s worth noting that wine is frequently enjoyed with meals and is often favored by individuals with healthier diets, while beer, cider, and spirits are typically linked to poorer dietary habits.
“These factors suggest that the kind of alcohol, the context in which it’s consumed, and associated lifestyle choices contribute to the variations in mortality risk,” Chen stated.
Nonetheless, the study does have limitations. Being observational means it can’t establish causation. Additionally, alcohol consumption was self-reported at the beginning of the study without adjustments for changes that may have occurred over time. Participants in the UK Biobank are generally healthier and wealthier than the average population, which could restrict the generalizability of the findings. Researchers believe randomized trials are necessary for a deeper understanding of how different alcohol types truly affect health.
Increased Awareness of Alcohol Risks
This research contributes to a growing body of evidence indicating that even moderate drinking might pose risks. Last year, a study published in BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine examined around 560,000 individuals in the UK and US and noted a link between higher alcohol consumption and an increased risk of dementia.
Stephen Burgess, a statistician at the University of Cambridge, commented, “For anyone who opts to drink, our findings suggest that increased alcohol intake correlates with a heightened risk of dementia.”
Another previous study involving brain scans found that consuming one or two units of alcohol daily was associated with decreases in brain volume and structural changes, possibly tied to memory loss and dementia.
