A large-scale study of 340,924 adults in the UK Biobank has found that wine consumption at low to moderate levels is associated with a lower risk of death, while beer and spirits are linked to higher mortality risks at similar intake levels. The findings, presented at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session in New Orleans, were derived from data collected between 2006 and 2022 with an average follow-up of over 13 years.
Key findings from the study include:
- High alcohol consumption—defined as more than 40 grams per day for men (about three standard drinks) and more than 20 grams per day for women (about 1.4 standard drinks)—was associated with a 24% higher risk of all-cause death, a 36% higher risk of cancer death, and a 14% higher risk of cardiovascular death compared to those who never or occasionally drank.
- At low to moderate levels, the type of alcoholic beverage appeared to influence mortality risk. Wine intake was linked to a 21% lower risk of cardiovascular death among moderate drinkers, while low amounts of spirits, beer, or cider were associated with a 9% higher risk of cardiovascular death compared to non-drinkers.
The study categorized participants’ alcohol intake into four groups: never/occasional, low, moderate, and high. Researchers noted that the observed risks may vary in high-risk groups, such as individuals with chronic diseases or pre-existing cardiovascular conditions.
Study Limitations and Context
The research relies on self-reported alcohol consumption data, which may introduce inaccuracies due to recall bias or social desirability bias. Additionally, the study does not establish causation—only an association between beverage type and mortality risk. Factors such as diet, lifestyle, and socioeconomic status were not fully controlled for in the analysis.
Expert Perspective
Dr. Zhangling Chen, a professor at the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University and a co-author of the study, emphasized that the findings apply to the general population and that risks could be higher for individuals with pre-existing health conditions. The study does not advocate for increased alcohol consumption but suggests that beverage choice may play a role in health outcomes at lower intake levels.
Public Health Implications
While the study highlights potential differences in risk based on beverage type, public health experts caution that no level of alcohol consumption is without risk. The World Health Organization (WHO) has previously stated that alcohol is a Group 1 carcinogen, and even low levels of consumption may contribute to certain cancers. The study’s authors acknowledge that further research is needed to understand the mechanisms behind these associations and to explore whether specific compounds in wine—such as polyphenols—may confer protective effects.
Next Steps
The researchers plan to conduct additional analyses to explore potential biological pathways linking beverage type to health outcomes. They also aim to investigate whether the observed patterns hold true in other populations outside the UK Biobank dataset.