Cardiovascular System
Is the “J-Curve” Real?
1. J-curve - Lower risk for light to moderate drinkers compared to abstainers
For many decades, epidemiological studies have consistently shown that light-to-moderate consumers of alcoholic beverages have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and a lower risk of death from all causes (including total cancer) compared with non-drinkers or those who drink heavily. It is not limited to alcohol-related causes of death, but instead captures all deaths combined (Brien et al 2011, Ronksley et al 2011, di Castelnuovo et al 2006, Roerecke et al 2012, Ferrari et al 2014, Jayasekara et al 2014, Xi et al 2017, Wood et al 2018, Colpani et al 2018).
- Such a J-shaped relationship (J-curve) has been shown in many different populations and dozens of observational studies. In different degrees, it is also seen in men and women and with other types of alcoholic beverages.
- Observational studies cannot prove causality but the observed association is considered biologically plausible (see below). However, there is a scientific debate at which level of consumption the nadir of this curve lies.
- Such a J-shaped relationship (J-curve) has been shown in many different populations and dozens of observational studies. In different degrees, it is also seen in men and women and with other types of alcoholic beverages.
- Observational studies cannot prove causality but the observed association is considered biologically plausible (see below). However, there is a scientific debate at which level of consumption the nadir of this curve lies.
2. Comparison to Smoking
WHO and other institutions have repeatedly declared the risks of alcohol consumption equivalent to smoking. However, no benefit of “moderate smoking” has ever been found.
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WHO and other institutions have repeatedly declared the risks of alcohol consumption equivalent to smoking. However, no benefit of “moderate smoking” has ever been found.
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De Gaetano et al, 2017, Alcohol and health – praise of the J-curve, J Am Coll Cardiology, vol 70, no 8
3. J-shape also for other diseases
In addition to CVD and total mortality, a J-shaped curve exists for the risk of other diseases, for example for type-2 diabetes and dementia.
4. Correlation or cause?
Observational studies can only provide statistical associations and present absolute or relative risks of developing certain diseases and cannot be interpreted as a proof of a causal relationship. However, the associations described are biologically plausible: controlled experiments have proven the beneficial physiological effects of light to moderate drinking of wine/alcoholic beverages.
Biologically plausible: How does it work?
Effect of alcohol:
- Improvement of cholesterol levels: „good“ HDL increases, „bad“ LDL decreases
- Lowering of blood viscosity (blood becomes „thinner“)
Effect of phenolic, non-alcoholic compounds of wine:
- Improvement of endothelial function
- Antioxidant effect/scavenger of free radicals
5. Wine versus other alcoholic beverages
Light to moderate wine consumption may be more beneficial than consuming other alcoholic beverages. An increasing number of both animal experiments and human trials demonstrate that non-alcoholic substances (polyphenols) in wine provide additional protective effects against risk factors and diseases.
6. Influencing factors
Most epidemiological studies have only used the average amount of alcohol consumed (over a week or month) as the measure of exposure, however, other factors play an important role in the health outcome. i.e. Regular moderate consumers of alcoholic beverages had considerable health advantages compared to binge drinkers, even though they consumed on average the same amount.
- Drinking pattern (moderate, regular vs. binge drinking)
- Drinking with the meals
- Alternate wine with water
- The famous advice of Serge Renaud is: “You drink water, but you sip wine”.
7. Underreporting
An important problem of observational studies is “under-reporting” of alcohol intake. This subsequently affects the J-curve. When “under-reporters” are removed from the study analysis, the curve shifts to the right, which means that the lowest risk of moderate drinkers is actually related to a higher amount of alcohol intake and the increased risk starts at a higher dosage.
8. Moderate wine consumption within a healthy lifestyle
Light to moderate consumption of wine/alcoholic beverages should be considered only one component of lifestyle factors related to health. The most important aspects are:
- Don’t smoke
- Maintain a normal body weight (avoid becoming obese)
- Exercise regularly
- Eat a healthy diet (e.g., a Mediterranean-type diet)
- Consume alcoholic beverages moderately and regularly with food, unless contraindicated
These lifestyle factors contribute not only to a longer life expectancy but also a longer life free of chronic diseases.
9. Sick-quitters
Earlier studies included ex-drinkers in the non-drinking reference/control group that may have artificially increased the risk of disease for “current abstainers”, thus, confounding the J-shaped curve and negating a protective relationship with moderate drinking. However, more recent studies have corrected this flaw and when including only lifetime abstainers in the non-drinking category, a similar J-shaped curve was found and disproved the so called “sick-quitters” hypothesis.