In the pursuit of understanding the impact of lifestyle choices on our health, researchers often turn to large-scale, long-term studies. The UK Biobank study, tracking a staggering 350,000 individuals over seven years, has illuminated a critical aspect of our well-being. In December 2021, findings from this extensive endeavor were published in the journal Circulation. This particular segment of the study scrutinized the intricate relationship between alcohol consumption and major cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes.

Setting the Scene: Units of Alcohol

Before delving into the study’s revelations, it’s essential to grasp the measure of alcohol consumption. In the UK, authorities have set a safe upper limit of 14 units of alcohol per week. To put this into perspective:

• 10 ml of pure alcohol constitutes one unit.
• A single beer equates to roughly 3 units of alcohol.
• A standard glass of wine (175 ml) represents two units.
• Fortified wines like sherry and ports, in a small glass, amount to one unit.
• A typical serving of hard liquor contributes about 1.5 units.
• As a general rule, it takes approximately one hour for the body to metabolize one unit of alcohol.

Unmasking the Risks: Study Findings

Now, let’s unveil the study’s key findings. Participants who adhered to the recommended safe limit of fewer than 14 units of alcohol per week faced a disconcerting revelation. For every 1.5 pints of beer consumed, they encountered a daunting 23% increased risk of experiencing a cardiovascular event. Dr. Rudolph Schutte, the lead author of the study, delivered some noteworthy insights:

• “Among drinkers of beer, cider, and hard liquor in particular, even those consuming under 14 units (of alcohol) a week had an increased risk of ending up in the hospital through a cardiovascular event involving the heart or the blood vessels.”
• “While we hear much about wine drinkers having a lower risk of coronary artery disease, our data shows their risk of other cardiovascular events is not reduced.”
• “Biases embedded in epidemiological evidence mask or underestimate the hazards associated with alcohol consumption. When these biases are accounted for, the adverse effects of even low-level alcohol consumption are revealed. The so-called J-shaped curve of the cardiovascular disease-alcohol consumption relationship suggesting health benefit from low to moderate alcohol consumption is the biggest myth since we were told smoking was good for us.”

Beyond Cardiovascular Risks: The Sobering Reality

It’s essential to recognize that the perils of alcohol extend far beyond cardiovascular concerns. Alcohol is a well-established risk factor for eight of the most prevalent cancers in modern society, ranking as the second most significant cause of cancer, surpassed only by environmental factors associated with cigarette smoking. This revelation underscores the gravity of consuming even small to moderate amounts of alcohol on a regular basis.

Conclusion: A Sobering Perspective on Health

In pursuit of longevity and a healthy life expectancy, vigilance regarding alcohol consumption is paramount. Consideration should even be given to complete abstinence. The findings from the UK Biobank study and the associated health risks of alcohol are compelling reasons to reevaluate our relationship with this ubiquitous substance.

References:

1. Rudolph Schutte, Lee Smith, Goya Wannamethee. Alcohol – The myth of cardiovascular protection. Clinical Nutrition, 2022; 41 (2): 348. [Read more](https://www.clinicalnutritionjournal.com/article/S0261-5614(21)00559-8/fulltext)
2. Science Direct: Even light drinking can be harmful to health. [Read more](https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/01/220128100730.htm)

Dr. Meschino