Beer vs. Wine Study Links Drink Choice to Diet Quality

Humankind may have been built on beer – at least according to The Wall Street Journal’s beer critic – but it’s not without its drawbacks.

In a study that’s as much about class distinctions as it is biology, researchers have found that one’s drink of choice lines up with their dietary habits. The Tulane University study found that beer-only drinkers live on a much worse diet compared to those who drink wine, liquor, or other types of alcohol.

The results offer a glimpse into the broader implications of alcohol consumption and dietary choices on public health.

Rising Public Health Challenge

Americans have relied on alcohol and bad dietary habits for decades. And that’s only helped fuel the growing prevalence of chronic illnesses and mental health issues – such as substance use disorder. 

“Alcohol overuse is the leading cause of cirrhosis in the U.S., and metabolic dysfunction- associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is rapidly increasing,” said Madeline Novack, chief resident at Tulane School of Medicine’s internal medicine residency program and the study’s lead author. “Both types of liver disease often coexist, and lifestyle changes are key to managing and preventing these conditions, starting with understanding the link between alcohol use and poor nutrition.”

And it seems to be harder for older Americans.

“Between 2001 and 2018, the prevalence of poor diet among older adults increased by 10 percent, highlighting a concerning trend as the population continues to age,” the authors wrote. 

The researchers relied on The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) to study the relationship between alcohol type and diet quality. The team culled and analyzed data from 1,917 drinkers who completed a 24-hour dietary recall survey. They also used the Healthy Eating Index (HEI), a diet quality scoring system.

Key Results

The researchers found that beer-only drinkers boasted much lower HEI scores compared to wine-only drinkers, the study’s reference group. On average, beer-only drinkers scored 3.12 points lower in a fully adjusted multivariable analysis. And liquor (and cocktail-only) drinkers – along with multiple-type drinkers – posted dietary scores similar to wine drinkers.

The scientists also found that beer-only drinkers also seemed to bear the cross of greater socioeconomic and lifestyle disadvantages, including lower income, higher smoking rates, and less overall physical activity. The exclusive beer drinkers consumed higher amounts of calories, carbohydrates, and saturated fats.

On the other side of the table, wine-only drinkers, who leaned older and more affluent, notched the highest HEI scores and healthier eating patterns. This included a greater intake of fruits, vegetables, and seafood.

Liver Health Implications

The link between poor dietary quality and liver disease raises some concerns, especially among the beer-only drinkers. Earlier studies have revealed that individuals with higher HEI scores are less likely to develop hepatic steatosis, a precursor to the more severe liver conditions.

Notably, researchers have linked wine consumption to a lower risk of liver fibrosis – compared to beer and liquor. The healthier dietary habits of wine drinkers might explain this – at least in part – although cultural norms and food pairings can’t be ignored.

The study also highlighted crucial demographic and behavioral differences among drinkers:

• Beer drinkers were more likely to live below the poverty line and engage in unhealthy behaviors, such as smoking and avoiding exercise. These factors, the researchers contend, probably compound the ramifications of poor diet quality.
• Wine drinkers, conversely, were typically older, wealthier, and less likely to engage in heavy drinking. Their dietary habits included a higher intake of whole grains, fruits, and lean proteins.

Public Health Recommendations

The researchers argued that the findings point to an urgent need for public health campaigns and patient education that address the fallout of diet and drinking. Specifically, the authors recommended:

1. Tailored programs that target beer drinkers in a bid to boost dietary habits and encourage physical activity.
2. The promotion of food and drink pairings that support better dietary choices.
3. Addressing income disparities and access to healthy food options as a way to establish long-term dietary improvements.

Further Reading

Relationship Between Social Isolation and Substance Abuse

Strategies for Cutting Down and Stopping Alcohol Use

Decrease in Alcohol Use Disorder Symptoms With Semaglutide