Alcohol Type Linked to Mortality Risk, Study Finds

Moderate wine drinkers had 21% lower heart disease mortality, while low to moderate spirits, beer, or cider drinkers had higher mortality.

Mar. 24, 2026 at 7:00pm

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A new study presented at the American College of Cardiology meeting found that the type of alcohol consumed influences mortality risk. While moderate wine drinkers had a 21% lower risk of dying from heart disease, even low to moderate intake of spirits, beer, or cider was linked to a 9% increased risk of premature death from heart disease. The study tracked the drinking habits and health outcomes of nearly 341,000 participants in the UK Biobank over 13 years on average.

Why it matters

This study provides important insights into how the type of alcohol consumed, not just the amount, can impact health outcomes. The findings suggest that certain compounds in red wine may have protective effects on heart health, while liquor, beer, and cider are more likely to be consumed in less healthy lifestyle patterns. These results can help refine alcohol consumption guidelines to emphasize the importance of beverage type.

The details

The study categorized participants as having low (20-140 grams per week for men, 20-70 grams per week for women), moderate (140-280 grams per week for men, 70-140 grams per week for women), or high (over 280 grams per week for men, over 140 grams per week for women) alcohol consumption. Compared to low/no drinkers, those with high alcohol consumption had a 24% higher risk of premature death from any cause, 36% higher risk of cancer mortality, and 14% higher risk of heart disease mortality. Only mild to moderate wine drinking was associated with a protective effect, lowering heart disease mortality by 21%.

  • The study tracked health outcomes over an average of 13 years.
  • The findings were presented at the American College of Cardiology meeting on March 19, 2026.

The players

Zhangling Chen

A professor at the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University in China and the senior researcher on the study.

UK Biobank

A long-term health research project in the United Kingdom that provided the data for the study.

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What they’re saying

“Even low to moderate intake of spirits, beer or cider is linked to higher mortality, while low to moderate intake of wine may carry lower risk.”

— Zhangling Chen, Professor

“Our findings help clarify previously mixed evidence on low to moderate alcohol consumption. These findings can help refine guidance, emphasizing that the health risks of alcohol depend not only on the amount of alcohol consumed, but also on the type of beverage.”

— Zhangling Chen, Professor

What’s next

The study findings will need to be published in a peer-reviewed journal before being considered final.

The takeaway

This study highlights the importance of considering not just the amount of alcohol consumed, but the specific type of beverage, when evaluating the health risks associated with drinking. The findings suggest that certain compounds in red wine may have protective effects, while liquor, beer, and cider are more likely to be consumed in less healthy lifestyle patterns.