Alcohol type impacts mortality risk in new study

A study analyzing data from over 340,000 British adults between 2006 and 2022 suggests that the type of alcohol consumed impacts mortality risks differently, even at moderate levels.

Heavy drinkers face significantly higher risks regardless of the beverage type, including a 24% increase in overall mortality, a 36% increase in cancer risk, and a 14% increase in heart disease risk.

However, among low to moderate consumers, results varied by drink. Moderate wine consumption was associated with a 21% lower risk of cardiovascular death compared to non-drinkers. In contrast, even low consumption of beer, cider, or spirits was linked to a 9% higher risk of cardiovascular death. Researchers suggest these differences may be due to polyphenols and antioxidants in red wine, as well as lifestyle factors often associated with wine consumption.