Debunking Myth About Red Wine

A popular belief that resveratrol—a naturally occurring polyphenol found in higher concentrations in red wine than in white wine—offers protective effects against cancer may not hold up to scientific scrutiny.

Lab and small clinical studies have long suggested resveratrol has health benefits, leading many to view moderate red wine intake as helpful in preventing diseases like cancer. However, a new comprehensive meta-analysis published in the journal Nutrients raises questions about the validity of these assumptions when applied to broader, real-world populations.

Large-Scale Study Finds No Difference in Overall Cancer Risk

In the study, researchers conducted a thorough analysis of 42 observational studies, collectively including data from nearly 100,000 cancer patients and a total of 2.8 million participants. Their goal was to determine whether differences in wine type—specifically red versus white—had any measurable impact on cancer risk.

The findings revealed no statistically significant difference in the overall risk of developing cancer between individuals who consumed red wine and those who drank white wine. This challenges the notion that red wine, due to its higher resveratrol content, offers unique protective benefits.

However, the researchers did uncover some noteworthy patterns in subgroup analyses. Specifically, women who consumed white wine had a higher risk of cancer compared to those who consumed red wine. Additionally, the risk of developing skin cancer appeared to be greater among white wine drinkers. These observations suggest that specific populations could face certain cancer risks from drinking white wine, while red wine may not provide significant protective benefits.

Call for Further Research and Caution in Wine Consumption

Although lab and animal studies suggest resveratrol may fight cancer, real-world data show no clear benefit. Researchers caution against relying solely on lab results and stress the value of observational studies in assessing diet and alcohol-related health risks.

The researchers call for more studies on wine’s cancer risks, especially white wine. Meanwhile, they urge alcohol moderation and emphasize healthy habits like diet, exercise, and avoiding tobacco.

Source: Nutrients