Recent research suggests that harms associated with moderate or even low levels of drinking may be greater among people who are poorer or in worse health. This study comes on the heels of another piece of research that indicated the benefits of alcohol had been exaggerated and its harms downplayed in previous studies. Dr. Rosario Ortolá, a co-author of the study from the Autonomous University of Madrid, emphasized that while low amounts of alcohol may have some benefits for older individuals at higher risk of cardiovascular disease, these benefits are small and can be achieved through other means such as a better diet or more exercise.
The study, published in the journal Jama Network Open, utilized data from the UK Biobank health database, with a focus on participants aged 60 and over. Participants were categorized based on their average daily alcohol intake into four groups: occasional, low risk, moderate risk, and high risk. The researchers then analyzed the data to determine the association between alcohol consumption and mortality rates.
The results of the study revealed that high-risk drinking was associated with a 33% greater risk of dying from any cause compared to occasional drinking. Moderate-risk drinking was linked to a 10% greater risk of death from any cause, while even low-risk drinking was associated with an 11% greater risk of death from cancer. Interestingly, the study found that moderate or low-risk drinking was more harmful for individuals living in deprived areas or those with poorer health.
Ortolá explained that older adults with worse health are more susceptible to the harmful effects of alcohol due to factors such as greater morbidity, higher use of alcohol-interacting drugs, and reduced tolerance to alcohol. Additionally, socioeconomically disadvantaged populations may experience higher rates of alcohol-related harms even with equivalent or lower amounts of alcohol consumption, likely due to other health challenges and lifestyle factors.
The study also found that a strong preference for wine or only drinking with meals appeared to reduce the risk of death independently of the amount of alcohol consumed, particularly for those with poor health or high deprivation. Ortolá noted that further investigation is needed to understand these findings, which could be attributed to the non-alcoholic components of wine or the slower absorption of alcohol when ingested with food.
While the study provides valuable insights into the relationship between alcohol consumption and mortality, it has limitations such as self-reported drinking data and the inability to establish cause and effect. Colin Angus, a medical research fellow from the University of Sheffield, emphasized the need for more research to confirm the associations between low levels of drinking and higher mortality rates among those in poorer health or lower socioeconomic groups. He also cautioned against interpreting the finding that wine consumption could bring benefits, suggesting that it may be more reflective of socioeconomic factors rather than inherent health benefits of wine.
In conclusion, the study highlights the importance of considering individual health status and socioeconomic factors when assessing the risks associated with alcohol consumption. While moderate or low levels of drinking may have different impacts on various populations, it is essential for healthcare providers to provide tailored advice based on individual circumstances to minimize potential harms. Further research is needed to fully understand the complex relationship between alcohol consumption, health outcomes, and socioeconomic disparities.