Light Drinking Increases Risk Of Death

Washington University School of Medicine have conducted a study with findings supporting that drinking a daily glass of wine for health reason just may not be so healthy after all; consuming a few drinks four or more times per week, has been found to increase the risk of premature death.

Researchers analyzed data from over 400,000 people between the ages of 18-25 years old and found that contrary to amounts deemed to be safe and healthy by current guidelines 1-2 drinks four or more times  a week increased risk of premature death by 20%, and the increased risk of death was found to be consistent across age groups. Meaning even light drinking can cause increased mortality risk.

Some studies suggest that light drinking may improve cardiovascular health, but more and more studies are showing that those potential gains are outweighed by other risks, namely premature death. Heart disease cancer risks were evaluated and it was found in some cases light drinking may reduce risk of some heart related problems, but the same light drinking increased risk of cancer and mortality risks.

This study that focused only on light drinking supports another recently published study in the Lancet that reviewed data from more than 700 studies conducted worldwide which investigated all types of drinking concluding the safest level of drinking is zero/none.

Any potential protective effects against CVD are eliminated with regard to increased detrimental risks. Researchers suggest if medical recommendations are personalized and tailored to an individual person, there may be certain situations under which very light drinking might be potentially helpful, but overall drinking a glass of wine a day should no longer be considered to be healthy.