Clin Nutr 2012 Sep 03;32(2)200-206, G Chiva-Blanch, M Urpi-Sarda, E Ros, et al
TAKE-HOME MESSAGE
A randomized, controlled, trial in men at high risk for cardiovascular disease tested the effects of moderate alcohol consumption of gin, an alcoholic beverage without polyphenolic compounds, red wine, which is high in polyphenols, and the equivalent amount of dealcoholized red wine, high in polyphenols but non-alcoholic, on cardiometabolic markers, including serum lipids, and insulin sensitivity. The results indicated that the alcoholic fraction of red wine has a protective effect on the lipid profile, but the polyphenols exert a beneficial effect on insulin resistance, suggesting that red wine, more so than other alcoholic drinks, has protective effects against risk of cardiovascular disease.
ABSTRACT
Background and Aims: Epidemiological data suggest that moderate red wine consumption reduces cardiovascular mortality and the incidence of diabetes. However, whether these effects are due to ethanol or to non-alcoholic components of red wine still remains unknown. The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of moderate consumption of red wine, dealcoholized red wine, and gin on glucose metabolism and the lipid profile.
Methods: Sixty-seven men at high cardiovascular risk were randomized in a crossover trial. After a run-in period, all received each of red wine (30 g alcohol/d), the equivalent amount of dealcoholized red wine, and gin (30 g alcohol/d) for 4 week periods, in a randomized order. Fasting plasma glucose and insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), plasma lipoproteins, apolipoproteins and adipokines were determined at baseline and after each intervention.
Results: Fasting glucose remained constant throughout the study, while mean adjusted plasma insulin and HOMA-IR decreased after red wine and dealcoholized red wine. HDL cholesterol, Apolipoprotein A-I and A-II increased after red wine and gin. Lipoprotein(a) decreased after the red wine intervention.
Conclusions: These results support a beneficial effect of the non-alcoholic fraction of red wine (mainly polyphenols) on insulin resistance, conferring greater protective effects on cardiovascular disease to red wine than other alcoholic beverages.