Drinking alcohol, even in moderate amounts, may have greater negative effects on health for individuals who are already in poor health or living in deprived areas, according to a recent study. This research challenges previous studies that have suggested some benefits of alcohol consumption.
Dr. Rosario Ortolá, one of the study’s co-authors from the Autonomous University of Madrid, emphasized that while low levels of alcohol may have some cardiovascular benefits for older individuals, these benefits are minimal and can be achieved through other means such as a healthy diet and regular exercise. She also highlighted the increased risk of cancer associated with alcohol consumption, suggesting that medical advice should not recommend alcohol consumption for health benefits.
The study, published in the journal Jama Network Open, analyzed data from 135,103 participants aged 60 and over from the UK Biobank health database. Participants were categorized based on their average daily alcohol intake into occasional, low risk, moderate risk, and high risk groups. The study found that high-risk drinking was associated with a 33% greater risk of death from any cause compared to occasional drinking, along with higher risks of dying from cancer or cardiovascular disease.
Interestingly, the study revealed that moderate or low-risk drinking had more detrimental effects on individuals living in deprived areas or those with existing health issues. This could be due to factors such as higher morbidity, increased use of alcohol-interacting drugs, and reduced alcohol tolerance among these populations.
Furthermore, the study suggested that a preference for wine or drinking only with meals could potentially reduce the risk of death, particularly for individuals with poor health or lower socioeconomic status. However, these findings require further investigation to understand the underlying mechanisms.
Colin Angus, a medical research fellow from the University of Sheffield, noted that the study underscores the increased cancer risks associated with even low levels of alcohol consumption. He also emphasized the need for more research to establish the link between drinking levels and mortality risks, especially for vulnerable populations.
In conclusion, while alcohol consumption in moderation has been linked to some health benefits in the past, this study highlights the potential harms associated with even low levels of drinking, particularly for individuals in poor health or living in deprived areas. It is essential for healthcare providers to consider these factors when advising patients on alcohol consumption and to conduct further research to better understand the complex relationship between alcohol and health outcomes.