Additional research on moderate wine consumption among senior citizens

Any information I share in this column will ALWAYS begin with a couple of caveats:  some people should never drink wine.  While those of us who love it and consume it responsibly, believe it enhances our quality of life, we all understand that it can and sometimes is abused.  Secondly, some folks have personal or religious reasons for never drinking wine:  we respect that for sure.  And finally, there is some research that says even a little wine is not a good idea with some who have certain medical conditions.

But with those exceptions, wine is enjoyed responsibly by millions.  And there is some brand-new research released by the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology from a scientific study of 18,000 Australians.  Again, with the caveat that many of the participants MAY be a bit more active and have a more robust social life than others, there is evidence of some positive attributes to moderate drinking, defined a 3 to seven glasses a week.  

The study was reported in a current issue of Wine Spectator, the industry’s leading consumer publication by Taylor McBride.  The article reported that the research team at Monash University in Australia found that moderate consumption may lower the risk of cardiovascular disease events, including stroke and heart attach as well as death from other causes.

The research team started with a larger pool of adults over the age of 70 who lived independent healthy lifestyles and were in general good health.  After eliminating any of the group who once consumed wine, but had ceased to drink for whatever reason, the study began with approximately 18,000 participants. They developed a series of questions on diet and drinking and followed the group for four years. 

The researchers reported that those who consumed 3.5 to 7 five ounce drinks a week were less likely to experience any cardiovascular disease events than those who did not drink at all.  The moderate consumers also experienced lower rates of overall mortality than the non-drinkers.

The researchers were quick to point out that the information is interesting but does not explain HOW alcohol could reduce the risk of disease.  They indicted there was a correlation, not necessarily a causation. 

The bottom line:  moderate consumption, spread out over several days may help us perhaps live a little longer and enjoy the journey just a little more. 

For additional information:   dwinchell@OhioWines.org