Dietary and lifestyle habits of drinkers with preference for alcoholic beverage: does it really matter for public health? A review of the evidence

Abstract

Although the detrimental effects of heavy drinking in terms of health are well-documented in the literature, there are inconsistent findings regarding the safety of light-to-moderate alcohol consumption. In particular, little is still known about the consumption of specific alcoholic beverages in combination with dietary habits and lifestyle, which in turn could influence health status. Thus, the aim of this review is to summarise and critically evaluate the evidence of a relationship between preference for alcoholic beverages and consumer dietary and lifestyle habits. A literature search retrieved 3,887 articles. By removing duplicates and articles which were not relevant, the final number of articles was 26. The adherence to a healthier diet and lifestyle was generally observed in light-to-moderate alcohol consumers, especially when wine was the preferred beverage. Considering the potentially strong impact of drinking patterns on health and the risk of developing chronic diseases, the data summarised in this review highlight that alcoholic beverage preferences, drinking patterns, dietary patterns and lifestyle should be studied together. Any future epidemiological studies should analyse the relationship between alcohol consumption and the abovementioned correlations with respect to impact on health.

Determinants of dietary behaviors among dental professionals: insights across educational levels

“…Regular alcohol intake has been associated with unhealthy practices such as smoking, sedentary behaviors, and erratic eating routines, all of which contribute to poor dietary behaviors. Current evidence indicates that alcohol consumption, particularly of beer and spirits, is correlated with diminished intake of nutritious foods, lower dietary quality, and the adoption of unhealthy lifestyle behaviors such as smoking and physical inactivity [42].…”

Association between wine consumption and cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…The analyses included in this meta-analysis are adjusted by different covariables, many of them related to healthy behaviors. A healthy dietary pattern is associated with a lower incidence of cardiometabolic events, including wine consumption ( 128 ), possibly because alcoholic beverage preference is related to socioeconomic status, lifestyle, and diet ( 129 ). In comparison with other alcoholic beverages ( 129 ), wine consumption is associated with healthier lifestyles, increased physical activity ( 130 ), and less smoking ( 131 ).…”

“…A healthy dietary pattern is associated with a lower incidence of cardiometabolic events, including wine consumption ( 128 ), possibly because alcoholic beverage preference is related to socioeconomic status, lifestyle, and diet ( 129 ). In comparison with other alcoholic beverages ( 129 ), wine consumption is associated with healthier lifestyles, increased physical activity ( 130 ), and less smoking ( 131 ). Our analyses could not determine whether these factors influenced the relationship between wine consumption and cancer development.…”

“…Our analyses could not determine whether these factors influenced the relationship between wine consumption and cancer development. Moreover, the combination of all these factors could be the reason for the greater health benefits ( 129 ).…”