Researchers examined drinking patterns and mortality outcomes for 340,924 adults who took part in the UK Biobank study from 2006 to 2022. When participants joined the study, they completed a dietary questionnaire and were assigned to one of four alcohol intake groups based on grams of pure alcohol consumed per day and per week.
For comparison, a 12 ounce beer, a 5 ounce glass of wine, and a 1.5 ounce serving of spirits each contain roughly 14 grams of pure alcohol. People who drank less than 20 g (about 1.5 standard drinks) per week were categorized as never or occasional drinkers.
Moderate intake was defined as 20 g to 40 g (about 1.5 to three standard drinks) per day for men and 10 g to 20 g per day for women. High intake was defined as more than 40 g (about three drinks) per day for men and more than 20 g (about 1.5 drinks) per day for women. Participants’ health outcomes were followed for an average of more than 13 years.
Compared with people who never drank or drank only occasionally, high intake drinkers had a 24% higher risk of death from any cause, a 36% higher risk of death from cancer, and a 14% higher risk of death from heart disease. At low and moderate intake levels, the pattern differed by drink type. Spirits, beer, and cider were associated with a significantly higher risk of death, while similar levels of wine intake were associated with a significantly lower risk of death.
But then you have to ask yourself. Do you want to live longer or get a buzz on occassionaly? What's behind door # 2, Jim? I'll take my chances...
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