rEViEW Cardiovascular risk is more related to drinking pattern than to the type of alcoholic drinks A. van de Wiel1*, D.W. de Lange2 1Department of Internal Medicine, Meander Medical Centre, Amersfoort, the Netherlands, 2Department of Clinical Toxicology, University Medical Centre and National Poisons Information Centre of the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Utrecht, the Netherlands, *corresponding author: e-mail:
[email protected] ABsTract IntroductioN Many observational studies have shown an association Health aspects of alcohol have been debated for centuries. between moderate alcohol consumption and a lower Alcoholic drinks have been used as restoratives, stimulants, risk for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. some appetizers, and even as analgesics for many of the body’s of these studies, whether or not inspired by the french aches. But alcohol consumption has also proven to be paradox, suggest a more favourable effect of wine than associated with liver disease, cardiomyopathy, trauma and of other alcoholic drinks. Certain polyphenols including injuries, the Wernicke-Korsakov syndrome and some forms the flavonoids, more abundant in red than in white wine, of cancer. are held responsible for this ‘bonus’ effect. However, this In ancient and medieval times, wine and beer were part of conclusion seems premature, since no significant bioactive everyday diet, because many places on earth lacked reliable effect of wine polyphenols has been shown in humans so sources of drinking water. Nowadays, they are mostly far. furthermore, wine drinking proves to be associated regarded as regular staples of modern day living and their with a healthier lifestyle profile than consumption of beer consumption parallels the increase in welfare.