miRNA expression profile in whole blood of healthy volunteers and moderate beer consumption with meals

Moderate consumption of fermented beverages such as traditional beer has been associated with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play key roles in inflammation and oxidative stress, yet the impact of moderate fermented beverage consumption on blood miRNA profiles remains poorly understood. A study investigated the effects of regular, moderate intake of traditional and alcohol-free beer on whole blood miRNA levels in healthy adults.
In the study, 36 healthy overweight or obese adults drank either traditional beer (with alcohol) or alcohol-free beer for 4 weeks. Blood samples were taken before and after the study to assess whether microRNA levels changed.
The study found that after drinking traditional beer, many microRNAs changed compared with before the study. Two microRNAs in particular — miR-144-5p and miR-19a-3p — consistently increased after moderate beer consumption. These changes were seen across the whole group, with women showing slightly stronger increases than men. Analyses showed that these microRNAs are linked to genes involved in immune function and inflammation.
Moderate beer consumption is associated with consistent changes in whole-blood miRNA expression, particularly miR-144-5p and miR-19a-3p, in a healthy overweight/obese population. These findings support a potential role for epigenetic modulation in the biological response to moderate beer intake and provide a basis for future mechanistic studies.
Source: Padro, T., Escate, R., & Badimon, L. (2026) miRNA Expression Profile in Whole Blood of Healthy Volunteers and Moderate Beer Consumption with Meals. Nutrients, 18(1):149.