The type of alcohol you drink, and how much, can have different effects on cardiovascular and overall health, a new study has found.

The negative health effects of high alcohol intake are well known, but less is known about low or moderate consumption, or how those effects may differ.

“Not all alcoholic beverages are metabolically or chemically equivalent, and they may have distinct biological effects that could influence health outcomes differently,” said Zhangling Chen, MD, PhD, a professor at the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University in Changsha, China and the study’s lead author. “Understanding beverage-specific effects can help clarify whether certain types of alcohol are more or less harmful or even beneficial.”

Red wine, for example, contains antioxidants such as polyphenols, which may have cardiovascular and anti-inflammatory benefits. Beer, on the other hand, contains purines, which could increase uric acid levels and may contribute to adverse health effects. Spirits have higher ethanol concentrations and lack any protective compounds.

So Chen and colleagues used the UK Biobank to analyze alcohol consumption habits and mortality outcomes among more than 340,000 adults. Participants were grouped into four categories based on their alcohol intake, measured in terms of g of pure alcohol per day and week.

Those who consumed < 20 g/wk (about 1.5 standard drinks) were classified as never or occasional drinkers. Low consumption was between 20 g/wk and 20 g/d for men and 20 g/wk and 10 g/d for women. Daily consumption of 20 g-40 g for men and 10 g-20 g for women was considered moderate. Daily consumption of > 40 g for men and 20 g for women was considered high.

Those with high alcohol consumption were 24% more likely to die from any cause, 36% more likely to die from cancer, and 14% more likely to die from heart disease than occasional drinkers. Consuming alcohol before meals also increased health risks.

At lower consumption levels the results were more nuanced. Drinking spirits, beer or cider was associated with a significantly higher risk of death while the same level of wine consumption was associated with a significantly lower risk of death. Moderate wine drinkers had a 21% lower risk of dying from cardiovascular disease compared with occasional drinkers. But even low intake of spirits, beer or cider was associated with a 9% higher risk of dying from cardiovascular disease.

The work was presented Saturday at American College of Cardiology (ACC) Scientific Session 2026 in New Orleans.

The study had some important limitations. It was an observational study based on self-reporting at baseline so it did not capture changes over time. And UK Biobank participants tend to be healthier than the general population. High-quality randomized trials would help improve our understanding of the effects of low-to-moderate alcohol use.

Nevertheless, Chen said clinicians could use these findings to provide more nuanced, personalized guidance on alcohol use. They should emphasize how dose, type, and timing of alcohol consumption can affect a person’s risk, and consider each patient’s age, cardiovascular and cancer risk, medications, and lifestyle when formulating advice.

“Doctors should move beyond one-size-fits-all advice, helping patients understand that alcohol’s risks vary by amount, type, timing, and personal health context,” Chen said.

Chen reported having no relevant financial relationships.

Brian Owens is a freelance journalist based in New Brunswick, Canada.