The health impacts of alcohol depend on what you drink – and how much

New findings presented at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session (ACC.26) suggest that the effects of low to moderate drinking may differ depending on the type of alcohol consumed. The study, which included over 340,000 adults in the UK, reinforces existing evidence that drinking less alcohol is generally better for health while offering new insights into how moderate consumption may vary in its impact.
Researchers analysed data from 340,924 participants in the UK Biobank study collected between 2006 and 2022. Participants completed dietary questionnaires at the start and were grouped into categories based on their alcohol intake, measured in grams of pure alcohol. These categories ranged from never or occasional drinking to low, moderate, and high consumption. Health outcomes were then tracked for more than 13 years on average.
The results showed that high alcohol intake was associated with significantly increased risks. Compared with never or occasional drinkers, heavy drinkers were 24% more likely to die from any cause, 36% more likely to die from cancer, and 14% more likely to die from heart disease. At lower levels of consumption, however, the type of alcohol appeared to matter. Drinking beer, cider, or spirits was linked to a higher risk of death, while similar levels of wine consumption were associated with a lower risk.
When focusing specifically on cardiovascular disease, moderate wine drinkers had a 21% lower risk of death compared with those who rarely or never drank. In contrast, even low consumption of beer, cider, or spirits was linked to a 9% higher risk of cardiovascular-related death. Researchers suggested that compounds found in red wine, such as polyphenols and antioxidants, may contribute to these differences. They also noted that wine is more often consumed with meals and by people who tend to follow healthier lifestyles overall.
The study accounted for a wide range of factors, including demographics, socioeconomic status, life-style habits, and family medical history. However, as an observational study, it has limitations, including reliance on self-reported alcohol intake and the inability to track changes in drinking habits over time. Additionally, participants in the UK Biobank are generally healthier than the broader population, which may affect how widely the findings apply. Despite this, the large sample size and long follow-up period provide strong evidence and offer a more detailed understanding of how both the amount and type of alcohol may influence health outcomes.