University of Bristol

Academic Institute

OFHS240176

The aim of this study is to examine how different types of alcoholic beverages may similarly or differentially influence health outcomes. To achieve this, we have the following objectives: 1) Identify differences in people’s genes that may influence whether someone drinks different types of alcoholic beverages e.g., wine, beer and cider, spirits 2) Compare the differences identified in people’s genes across the different types of alcoholic beverages. For example, whether these are the same or different for drinking wine versus beer. 3) Examine whether there are different or similar impacts of these types of alcoholic beverages on a range of health outcomes To date most research studies have focused on overall alcohol consumption in relation to influences on health outcomes, demonstrating that increased alcohol consumption can lead to poorer health outcomes. However, some studies have found that consuming different types of alcoholic beverages e.g., beer versus wine has different health impacts. These findings may be driven by other factors, such as socioeconomic position or total alcohol consumption, or they may reflect real differences in the impact on health of different alcoholic beverage types. In this study we aim to examine the impact of different types of alcoholic beverages on health and what may be driving any differences on health outcomes. To do this we will use information about health outcomes, consumption of different types of alcoholic beverages and information about people’s genes that may influence the alcoholic beverages they consume. First, we will identify whether there are differences in people’s genes related to different types of alcoholic beverages. Second, we will examine whether any differences may be related to taste preference/drink metabolism etc, or whether they reflect other factors i.e., socioeconomic position. Third, we will use this information to examine whether different types of alcoholic beverages may cause different health outcomes.

The Health Survey for England found that in 2022, 57% of adults reported drinking 14 units or less per week and 24% reported drinking more than 14 units per week. We know that higher levels of alcohol consumption negatively impacts health outcomes. However, it is unknown whether these influences vary by the type of alcoholic beverage consumed. Knowing whether different types of alcoholic beverages e.g., wine, beer and cider, spirits have different influences on health and the reasons behind this are important for shaping more specific guidance around the health risks of alcohol. If we can better understand these specific relationships and the mechanisms behind these this may also help individuals understand which alcoholic beverages are more or less risky for them. This research may also help to dispel (or better understand) common beliefs around specific alcoholic beverages, for example, that red wine is beneficial to health.

Public Health Research

13/06/2025

03/04/2025

TRE