The study, led by Dr. Ramon Estruch from the University of Barcelona, demonstrates that moderate wine consumption could reduce the risk of severe cardiovascular events by 50%.

The research employed an innovative and reliable method by analyzing tartaric acid in urine as a marker of wine consumption.

A recent study, published in the prestigious scientific journal European Heart Journal, suggests that moderate wine consumption, within the context of a Mediterranean diet, could significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases in individuals with risk factors.

The research, led by Dr. Ramón Estruch of the University of Barcelona and Hospital Clínic, utilized an innovative method to measure wine consumption: the analysis of tartaric acid in urine. This technique is far more precise than traditional questionnaires, which rely on individuals' recollections or self-reported data.

The study included 1,232 individuals at high cardiovascular risk who adhered to the Mediterranean Diet pattern of eating and lifestyle for a period of four to five years.

The results indicated that those who consumed between half and one glass of wine per day reduced their risk of severe cardiovascular events, such as myocardial infarction, stroke, or cardiovascular death, by 50% compared to those who drank very little or no wine. Additionally, light consumption (less than half a glass per day) was associated with a 38% risk reduction. However, the protective effect disappeared with consumption exceeding one and a half glasses per day.

Dr. Ramon Estruch explains, “This study confirms the importance of moderate wine consumption as part of a healthy dietary pattern, such as the Mediterranean Diet,” adding that “these results highlight a more significant protective impact of wine than observed in previous studies, comparable even to certain pharmacological treatments.”

Indeed, the reduction in cardiovascular risk achieved through moderate wine consumption—between half and one glass per day—is comparable to, and even surpasses, that of some commonly used pharmacological treatments, such as statins, which are used to lower cholesterol levels. This underscores the important role that wine, always consumed in moderation and within the framework of a healthy diet like the Mediterranean one, can play in preventing cardiovascular diseases.

Dr. Estruch emphasizes that these findings are applicable to similar populations—older adults, individuals at high cardiovascular risk, and residents of Mediterranean countries—and highlights the importance of moderation, particularly for women, whose recommended intake is half that of men.

FIVIN, as an organization dedicated to disseminating scientific knowledge about the benefits of moderate wine consumption, underscores the relevance of these findings and promotes wine as a cultural and dietary component within a healthy lifestyle.

Numerous scientific studies have demonstrated that moderate wine consumption is associated with the Mediterranean diet and lifestyle, with proven health benefits, particularly for healthy adults over 50 years of age. However, FIVIN also emphasizes the health risks of excessive consumption and its harmful effects on society. In this regard, FIVIN works to highlight the importance of moderation and the prevention of abusive consumption. It is important to note that any studies on wine and health do not replace professional medical advice.

Scientific reference

• The study, led by Dr. Ramon Estruch from the University of Barcelona, demonstrates that moderate wine consumption could reduce the risk of severe cardiovascular events by 50%.
• The research employed an innovative and reliable method by analyzing tartaric acid in urine as a marker of wine consumption.

A recent study, published in the prestigious scientific journal European Heart Journal, suggests that moderate wine consumption, within the context of a Mediterranean diet, could significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases in individuals with risk factors.

The research, led by Dr. Ramón Estruch of the University of Barcelona and Hospital Clínic, utilized an innovative method to measure wine consumption: the analysis of tartaric acid in urine. This technique is far more precise than traditional questionnaires, which rely on individuals' recollections or self-reported data.

The study included 1,232 individuals at high cardiovascular risk who adhered to the Mediterranean Diet pattern of eating and lifestyle for a period of four to five years.

The results indicated that those who consumed between half and one glass of wine per day reduced their risk of severe cardiovascular events, such as myocardial infarction, stroke, or cardiovascular death, by 50% compared to those who drank very little or no wine. Additionally, light consumption (less than half a glass per day) was associated with a 38% risk reduction. However, the protective effect disappeared with consumption exceeding one and a half glasses per day.

Dr. Ramon Estruch explains, “This study confirms the importance of moderate wine consumption as part of a healthy dietary pattern, such as the Mediterranean Diet,” adding that “these results highlight a more significant protective impact of wine than observed in previous studies, comparable even to certain pharmacological treatments.”

Indeed, the reduction in cardiovascular risk achieved through moderate wine consumption—between half and one glass per day—is comparable to, and even surpasses, that of some commonly used pharmacological treatments, such as statins, which are used to lower cholesterol levels. This underscores the important role that wine, always consumed in moderation and within the framework of a healthy diet like the Mediterranean one, can play in preventing cardiovascular diseases.

Dr. Estruch emphasizes that these findings are applicable to similar populations—older adults, individuals at high cardiovascular risk, and residents of Mediterranean countries—and highlights the importance of moderation, particularly for women, whose recommended intake is half that of men.

FIVIN, as an organization dedicated to disseminating scientific knowledge about the benefits of moderate wine consumption, underscores the relevance of these findings and promotes wine as a cultural and dietary component within a healthy lifestyle.

Numerous scientific studies have demonstrated that moderate wine consumption is associated with the Mediterranean diet and lifestyle, with proven health benefits, particularly for healthy adults over 50 years of age. However, FIVIN also emphasizes the health risks of excessive consumption and its harmful effects on society. In this regard, FIVIN works to highlight the importance of moderation and the prevention of abusive consumption. It is important to note that any studies on wine and health do not replace professional medical advice.

Scientific reference:

[1] Urinary tartaric acid as a biomarker of wine consumption and cardiovascular risk: the PREDIMED trial’, by I. Domínguez-López et al., European Heart Journal, https://doi.org/10.1093/eurheartj/ehae804.