Cardiometabolic risk factors – Drinking pattern and type of alcoholic beverage matters

In the current study, American researchers used data from 3 large prospective studies (individuals without major chronic diseases were included) to examine the underlying mechanisms of the inverse relationship between the moderate consumption of alcoholic beverages and cardiometabolic disorders (such as diabetes type 2, cardiovascular diseases). The results showed favorable profiles of blood insulinemic/glycemic, inflammatory markers and blood lipids for light to moderate consumption of alcoholic beverages, starting from 1 serving/day (which is the equivalent of 14 g of alcohol or 100 to 140 ml of wine) and extending to higher intake levels in a generally linear manner. Wine, especially red wine, was in particular associated with lower inflammation. Drinking 3 days or more per week was related to a better biomarker profile than non-regular drinking (or binge drinking) independent of intake levels. The researchers concluded that although heavy alcohol intake has been associated with several cancers and total mortality, their current data indicated that moderate intake of alcoholic beverages, especially if consumed from wine and done regularly, was associated with favorable profiles of insulinemic/glycemic and inflammatory markers and blood lipids. Drinking wine and drinking more than 3 days per week showed stronger associations. Future studies with a distinction by beverage type and drinking pattern are warranted to confirm their findings.