Beverage-type important for health outcome
While detrimental health impacts of excessive alcohol use are well-established, potential effects of low-to-moderate drinking remain controversial. The study examined the associations between total and beverage-specific alcohol intake and mortality, including cardiovascular disease (CVD), cancer (e.g., 20 site-specific cancers), and other mortality. It addresses important knowledge gaps to clarify the potential health impact of low to moderate intake of alcoholic beverages and whether the health impact of alcohol may vary by type of alcoholic beverage.
The study with data from UK Biobank study found that low to moderate wine consumption was associated with lower all-cause, CVD, and cancer mortality. However, high wine consumption was linked to increased cancer mortality, suggesting a potential protective effect at lower levels but risks at higher levels.
In contrast, consumption of alcohol from spirits and beer/cider, even at low to moderate levels, was associated with higher all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality, cancer mortality, and other diseases. For example, high intake from beer/cider was linked to significantly higher mortality rates across various causes, including cancer.
- It was highlighted that while high total alcohol intake generally increases mortality risks, the type of beverage significantly influences these outcomes, with spirits and beer/cider being more detrimental compared to wine at lower consumption levels.
These findings emphasize the complex relationship between the consumption of alcoholic beverages and disease risk, highlighting that both the type and amount of alcohol consumed play crucial roles.
