Selective Use of Research

Many years ago, the prevailing position was that light to moderate drinking, especially wine, provided a wide range of health benefits. Recent research has shown that any amount of drinking is bad for you. Which research do you believe?

As reported in Wine Spectator, a new study sought to resolve that conundrum. The study was published in JAMA (August 12) and was conducted by researchers based at Harvard and other institutions. It examined data from over 135,000 current drinkers over the age of 60 in the U.K. The findings indicated that healthy adults from wealthier areas suffered no additional health risks from moderate drinking and those who drink wine with food even enjoyed better health. However, for those adults with existing health problems from poorer areas, the researchers found that any alcohol posed serious health risks.

I’m sure the fact that healthy adults who live in wealthier areas have better health outcomes than unhealthy adults who live in poorer areas is not much of a surprise. Wealthy individuals have the money and resources to eat a better diet and generally have better access to healthcare.

And call me skeptical, but the highlighting of “even better health outcomes for those who drink wine with food” is not surprising in an article from Wine Spectator.

Wine Spectator walks a fine line and does not say that drinking is good for you. But they strongly imply that it isn’t bad for you either. I think there is some selective use of data in their reporting!