Wine linked to lower death risk than beer or spirits, observational study finds
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Not all alcohol is created equal – and new research suggests wine may have lower health risks than beer or hard liquor.
In a press release on March 19, the American College of Cardiology explained the findings of the study, which analyzed how the type of alcohol and levels of drinking affect the risk of death.
The study, which will be presented at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session from March 28-30, followed more than 340,000 British adults between 2006 and 2022.
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Using data from the UK Biobank, the researchers analyzed participants’ questions. Adults are placed into one of four groups based on their levels of alcohol consumption.
The study was observational – meaning that the findings show an association but cannot prove cause and effect.
A new study from the American College of Cardiology suggests that wine may have lower health risks than other alcoholic beverages. (Stock)
Alcohol consumption was measured using standard drink equivalents.
For example, 12-ounce cans of beer, 5-ounce glasses of wine and 1.5-ounce shots of spirits all contain the same amount of pure alcohol, which is 14 grams.
When analyzing deaths from cardiovascular diseases, researchers found that moderate wine drinkers had a 21% lower risk of dying from this disease than people who did not drink or drank occasionally – although, again, the study was only naturalistic. Experts urged caution when interpreting the findings.
“In contrast, even moderate consumption of spirits, beer or cider was associated with a 9% higher risk of death from cardiovascular disease compared to moderate or occasional drinking,” said a news release from the American College of Cardiology.
Research suggests that alcohol may have a different risk than wine. (Stock)
High alcohol consumption also increases health risks.
People who drink a lot of alcohol are 24% more likely to die.
“Alcohol and life are not all-or-nothing.”
They were also 36% more likely to die from cancer and 14% more likely to die from heart disease.
But the study also found that beer, cider and alcohol may be linked to higher health risks than wine, even in small amounts.
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“Differences in alcohol type risk emerged at low and moderate levels of drinking, where drinking spirits, beer or cider was associated with the highest risk of death while the same level of wine consumption was associated with the lowest risk of death,” the release said.
Even moderate consumption of beer, cider or spirits was linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular death, according to the study. (Stock)
The findings help clarify “mixed evidence” about the effects of alcohol consumption, said Zhangling Chen, a professor at Central South University in China and lead author of the study.
“These findings may help to adjust the guideline, emphasizing that the health risks of alcohol depend not only on the amount of alcohol consumed, but also on the type of drink,” Chen said in the release.
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“Even low-to-moderate alcohol consumption, beer or cider is associated with higher mortality, while low-to-moderate wine consumption may have a lower risk.”
The study’s findings are instructive but not conclusive, said Julian Braithwaite, president and CEO of the London-based International Alliance for Responsible Drinking, which was not involved in the study.
Participants who reported drinking alcohol showed higher rates of cardiovascular death compared to occasional drinkers. (Stock)
The International Alliance for Responsible Drinking is “supported by beer, wine and spirits producers around the world,” according to its website.
“Because this data was not published in a peer-reviewed journal, it is difficult to fully interpret the findings,” Braithwaite told Fox News Digital.
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“However, they are a useful reminder that alcohol and health are not all-or-nothing, the risk depends on how much people drink and the wider lifestyle context in which the drinking occurs.”
Braithwaite added, “It also highlights why oversimplified claims are unhelpful and why older people should talk to a health professional and make informed decisions based on their individual circumstances.”
“It is difficult to fully explain the findings.”
As Fox News Digital previously reported, medical experts are increasingly warning about the dangers of any amount of alcohol.
Dr. Brett Osborn, a Florida-based neurologist who also practices longevity, said alcohol is a poison. “We’ve known this for a long time — it’s nothing new,” he told Fox News Digital last year.
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“I know the old saying that you can have a drink or two a day, and it’s good for your heart — no, it’s not,” Osborn said.
“It’s not good for your heart, it’s not good for your brain. It’s not good for your waistline.”
Melissa Rudy of Fox News Digital contributed reporting.
