Moderate wine drinkers show a 21% lower risk of cardiovascular death compared to non-drinkers, while even low intake of spirits, beer, or cider correlates with a 9% higher mortality risk, according to new research.
The study analyzed data from over 340,000 UK Biobank participants tracked for more than 13 years. Heavy drinkers faced a 24% higher all-cause mortality risk and 36% greater cancer death risk.
Senior author Zhangling Chen noted that beverage type matters: wine contains polyphenols and antioxidants and is often consumed with meals by people with healthier diets, unlike other alcoholic drinks typically tied to poorer lifestyle factors.
However, the observational study has limitations-it relied on self-reported alcohol use and may not generalize beyond its relatively affluent, healthier cohort. Researchers stress that randomized trials are needed to confirm causality.
This adds to mounting evidence that even moderate drinking carries health risks, including links to dementia and reduced brain volume.