Description

Patients often ask clinicians about the type of alcohol they consume and whether it matters if their favourite tipple is whisky or wine. There is much literature that provides evidence for a differential health effect by beverage type. Wine is frequently reported to have a more favourable health outcome than beer or spirits. However, there is likely to be a strong publication bias whereby those investigators that do find differential health outcomes by beverage type may be more likely to write-up, submit and have their papers published. Explanations include the possibility that preferences for a particular beverage are linked with other behavioural characteristics. The drinking context may be important, as may the particular components of each drink. However, the most important component of alcoholic beverages is likely to be the ethanol itself. General drinking advice should concern moderate regular consumption, rather than beverage specific advice.