NewsLa OpiniónOctober 28, 2026Los Angeles County
UK Biobank study links excessive alcohol intake and beverage types to higher mortality risks
Photo: La Opinión
An analysis of 340,924 adults reveals that high total alcohol consumption is linked to increased all-cause, cancer, and cardiovascular mortality. The study also shows that mortality risks vary by beverage type, with low-to-moderate wine consumption associated with lower mortality in certain outcomes, though authors caution it does not prove a protective health effect.
Read the full story at La OpiniónWhy It Matters
The findings show specific links between different types of alcoholic beverages and long-term mortality risks across a monitored population of 340,924 adults over an average of 13.4 years.
Key Facts
- The study followed 340,924 adults from the UK Biobank for an average of 13.4 years.
- High total alcohol consumption was linked to greater all-cause, cancer, and cardiovascular mortality compared to low or no consumption.
- Moderate alcohol consumption was associated with higher cancer mortality overall.
- High consumption of beer or cider was linked to higher general and cause-specific mortality, with low consumption also linked to more cancer deaths.
- Low consumption and combined moderate-to-high levels of spirits were linked to higher mortality.
- Low or moderate wine consumption was associated with lower mortality in some outcomes, but authors warn this does not prove wine protects health.
- High levels of wine consumption—including red, white, and fortified—were linked to increases in certain types of mortality.