Moderate drinking linked to lower death rates

A US study has concluded that moderate drinkers are at a lower mortality risk than non-drinkers.

Based on data from 1,824 white Americans aged between 55 and 65 residing in the western part of the country, the study found that over the 20-year follow-up period, moderate drinking of up to three drinks a day was associated with a 38% lower mortality risk.

However, it once again raises the question whether it is the drink or drinker’s lifestyle that counts.

Unsurprisingly, mortality levels were lower among those who were physically active, had more social support and were married, while they were greater among those who were obese, smokers and former problem drinkers.

Those with moderate alcohol intake also had the most favourable lifestyle factors and non-drinkers the worst. However, by factoring in positive lifestyle factors, abstainers could significantly lower their mortality rate.

On the other hand, even when other factors, such as former drinking problems, were taken into account, non-drinkers had a 51% higher mortality risk and heavy drinkers a 45% higher risk than the moderates.

The International Scientific Forum on Alcohol Research, which released the report, commented: “Weaknesses of the present study include its relatively small size; it is likely underpowered to assess the relative merits of red wine, white wine, beer and spirits, or to determine whether the drink of choice was different between moderate and heavy drinkers.  

“These investigators carried out very elaborate analyses to obtain a more precise measure of the effects that can be attributed to the alcohol drinking itself. Their analyses estimated that moderate drinking, in comparison with no alcohol intake, was associated with 38% lower mortality risk.”

Rupert Millar, 08.09.2010