A RECENT study analysing alcohol consumption patterns in USA adults has highlighted significant differences in diet quality and lifestyle habits based on beverage preference. The findings suggest that beer-only consumers may face greater health risks due to poorer dietary habits and unhealthy lifestyle factors.
The study employed a cross-sectional analysis of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data, focusing on current alcohol drinkers who completed a 24-hour dietary recall survey. Among 1,917 participants, beer-only drinkers represented the largest group at 38.9%, followed by wine-only drinkers (21.8%), multiple-type drinkers (21%), and liquor/cocktail-only drinkers (21%). Diet quality was measured using the Healthy Eating Index (HEI), a standardised score that reflects adherence to dietary guidelines, with higher scores indicating better diet quality. The researchers used multivariable logistic regression models to compare HEI scores across alcohol consumption types, adjusting for demographic, socioeconomic, and health variables.
Results showed that beer-only drinkers exhibited the poorest diet quality, with an HEI score 3.12 points lower than wine-only drinkers, the reference group. In contrast, liquor/cocktail-only and multiple-type drinkers had diet quality scores similar to wine-only drinkers. Beer-only consumers were also more likely to be male, have lower income levels, smoke cigarettes, and engage in insufficient physical activity compared to other groups. This group also had the highest percentage of people with a remote history of heavy drinking (10%).
The study identifies beer-only consumption as a marker for lower diet quality and unhealthy lifestyle behaviours, suggesting a compounded risk for chronic diseases such as liver failure and cardiovascular issues. Strategies such as promoting balanced nutrition and healthier lifestyle choices among beer drinkers could help mitigate these risks.
Reference
Ting PS et al. Convergence of alcohol consumption and dietary quality in us adults who currently drink alcohol: an analysis of two core risk factors of liver disease. Nutrients. 2024;16(22):3866.
