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January 1, 2025 – New research has revealed that light to moderate wine consumption may significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications, with benefits reaching up to 50%. A multicenter study, published in the European Heart Journal, offers compelling evidence suggesting that consuming up to one glass of wine per day could protect against heart-related issues.
The study, conducted by researchers from the University of Barcelona, Hospital Clínic, the August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), and the University of Navarra (UNAV), involved 1,232 participants from the PREDIMED project. This large-scale, long-term epidemiological study focuses on the effects of the Mediterranean diet, a diet long considered one of the healthiest in the world.
While prior research on the health effects of moderate wine consumption has been controversial, the current study used an innovative approach to measure wine intake. Researchers assessed participants’ wine consumption using food intake surveys, corroborated with an objective biomarker—tartaric acid, a compound found primarily in grapes. This method provided more reliable data compared to previous studies, which often relied on self-reported information.
The findings show that participants who consumed between half a glass and one glass of wine daily experienced a 50% reduction in the risk of cardiovascular complications, including heart attack, stroke, and heart failure. Light wine drinkers (those consuming between one glass per week and less than half a glass per day) saw a 38% reduction in risk. However, the protective effects disappeared when wine consumption exceeded one drink per day.
Researchers caution that wine should only be consumed with meals, as excessive alcohol intake can have serious health consequences. The principal authors of the study, Inés Domínguez and Professor Ramon Estruch, emphasized the importance of responsible consumption.
Despite the promising results, the researchers acknowledged the limitations of observational studies and stressed that more research is needed to confirm the findings. Future studies may explore randomized trials and investigate the mechanisms by which wine protects the cardiovascular system, such as the anti-inflammatory effects of polyphenols like resveratrol.
The study highlights the need for more in-depth research into the health benefits of moderate wine consumption and its potential role in the Mediterranean diet. Researchers also noted that understanding the biological mechanisms behind these effects could help solidify the link between wine and reduced cardiovascular risk.
This study marks a significant step in understanding the complex relationship between wine consumption and heart health, though it is clear that moderation remains key to enjoying its benefits.
Reference: Domínguez-López, I., Lamuela-Raventós, R.M., et al. “Urinary tartaric acid as a biomarker of wine consumption and cardiovascular risk: the PREDIMED trial.” European Heart Journal, 18 December 2024. DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehae804
