Prior studies have suggested light alcohol consumption may yield some benefits for cardiovascular disease. New research by Monash University now suggests moderate drinking may not only lower the risk of cardiovascular disease, but also the mortality rate.
As posted online in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, over 18,000 older adult participants from both the U.S. and Australia took part.
Alcohol use was measured among non-drinkers, as well as participants who consumed 1–50; 51–100; 101–150, and >150g/week.
According to researchers, nearly 19 percent of the participants reported refraining from alcohol consumption each week. Meanwhile, about 37 percent reported 1-50g/week, 19% 51-100g/week, 15 percent 101-150g/week, and 9 percent >150g/week.
“The participants were followed for an average of 4.7 years and the study found that there was a reduced risk of CVD events for individuals consuming alcohol of 51–100, 101–150, and >150 g/week, compared to never consuming alcohol, regardless of gender,” the study’s authors explained.
Researchers also suggested that 51-100g/week was associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality.
