In December 2018 researchers from Spain published the results of their study to assess the associations of moderate alcohol intake and the type of alcoholic beverage with metabolic and inflammatory biomarkers. A total of 143 individuals, aged 55 years and over, who were apparently healthy were included in the study. Information on alcoholic beverage intake frequency, food frequency and physical activity was collected via an interviewer led questionnaire. The individuals were divided into three groups, namely abstainers and occasional drinkers (54 individuals), beer drinkers (40 individuals) and mixed beverage drinkers (49 individuals). Results showed that HDL (good) cholesterol was significantly higher in the mixed beverage group than in the group who abstained, and that adiponectin, which is involved in regulating glucose levels as well as fatty acid breakdown, was higher in the mixed group compared to the beer group, which is probably explained by wine consumption.
Nova E et al. Wine and beer within a moderate alcohol intake is associated with higher levels of HDL-c and adiponectin. Nutr Res. 2018 Dec 19;63:42-50