White Cider Consumption and Heavy Drinkers: A Low-Cost Option but an Unknown Price

Abstract

White cider makes an important contribution to the weekly intake of heavy drinkers in Scotland, likely facilitated by low price per unit of alcohol. We suggest these characteristics permit this drink to act as a buffer, supporting the continuation of a heavy drinking pattern when affordability of alcohol falls.

The total margin of exposure of ethanol and acetaldehyde for heavy drinkers consuming cider or vodka

“…Because some ciders are among the cheapest forms of alcohol sold within the UK, some drinkers were observed who exclusively consumed white cider. During the survey, many drinkers confirmed that white cider represented their first choice of drink when funds are low (Black et al, 2014). Cider may also be consumed in more risky locations than other beverage types (Forsyth and Barnard, 2000).…”

“…1600 g ethanol per week. White cider made an important contribution to the weekly intake, likely facilitated by its low price per unit (ppu) of alcohol (Black et al, 2014). Because some ciders are among the cheapest forms of alcohol sold within the UK, some drinkers were observed who exclusively consumed white cider.…”

“…Anecdotal evidence has linked cider consumption to gastric complaints (Black et al, 2014) and "Alcohol Concern" in England produced a recent report also providing anecdotal evidence of certain harmful effects of cider (Goodall, 2011). A study about the antioxidant potential of alcoholic beverages has indeed suggested that its low values in white drinks such as cider may pose an extra risk for liver cirrhosis (Gill et al, 2010).…”

Potential Impact of Minimum Unit Pricing for Alcohol in Ireland: Evidence from the National Alcohol Diary Survey

“…While a number of studies have examined individual level data regarding minimum unit pricing and the price people pay for alcohol for their own consumption, previous studies have focussed on people with serious alcohol-related problems in a hospital setting (Black et al, 2011;Sheron et al, 2014;Black et al, 2014;Gill et al, 2015) or a convenience sample of members of the public (Crawford et al, 2012). This is the first study to investigate the potential impact of minimum unit pricing by examining the relationship between harmful alcohol consumption, personal income, place of purchase and price paid for alcohol at a population level.…”

Toxicology and the biological role of methanol and ethanol: Current view

“…123 ). The fact that cancer is linked to acetaldehyde produced from ethanol is supported by the proven association between cancer risk and activity of alcohol dehydrogenase in drinkers 110,[124][125][126] . However, other pathological pathways may be incorporated into the mechanism, such as depletion of low molecular weight antioxidants followed by oxidative stress 127 .…”