A new study from Brown University reveals no significant difference in cancer risk between red and white wine consumption, challenging common beliefs. The research also uncovers an increased risk of skin cancer linked to white wine.
The notion that sipping a glass of red wine is a healthier choice compared to white wine may need revisiting, thanks to a new study by researchers at Brown University School of Public Health. The comprehensive meta-analysis sheds light on the cancer risks associated with different types of wine, challenging widely-held assumptions about their health benefits.
Co-led by Eunyoung Cho, an associate professor of epidemiology and dermatology, the study analyzed 42 observational studies involving nearly 96,000 participants to determine whether there is a difference in cancer risk between red and white wine drinkers.
“In an effort to better understand the potential impact of wine consumption on cancer risk, we conducted a comprehensive meta-analysis to assess whether red wine is truly a healthier choice than white wine,” Cho said in a news release. “Our analysis included as many published epidemiological studies as possible that separately explored the relationship between red and white wine consumption and cancer risk.”
Notably, the researchers found that white wine consumption was linked to a 22% increased risk of skin cancer compared to red wine.
“The results of our meta-analysis revealed no significant difference in cancer risk between red and white wine overall,” Cho added. “However, we did observe a distinction when it came to skin cancer risk. Specifically, the consumption of white wine, but not red wine, was associated with an increased risk of skin cancer.”
While the precise reasons for this remain unclear, the researchers hypothesize that heavy wine consumption may coincide with risky behaviors like indoor tanning or inadequate sunscreen use. However, the study underscores the need for further investigation to understand why white wine is particularly associated with higher skin cancer risk.
Additionally, the study highlighted a stronger association between white wine consumption and an increased overall cancer risk among women, calling for more detailed research into the underlying mechanisms.
This meta-analysis is the first of its kind to scrutinize the cancer risk differences between red and white wine, challenging the popular belief that red wine is inherently healthier. It also underscores the importance of continued research into the potential health risks associated with wine, particularly in different demographic groups.
The risks linked to alcohol consumption extend beyond the type of wine. The ethanol in alcoholic beverages metabolizes into compounds that can damage DNA and proteins, heightening cancer risk. In 2020, more than 740,000 cancer cases globally — amounting to 4.1% of all cancer instances — were attributed to excessive alcohol consumption.
Published in the journal Nutrients, this study suggests a reevaluation of the health implications of wine consumption. As the data mounts, it becomes clear that both red and white wine aren’t free from health risks, and moderation is key.
Source: Brown University