Is red wine 'healthier' than white wine when it comes to cancer risks?
14:00, 11 Mar 2025
Couple toasting wine glasses, one drinking red wine and the other, white
Scientists conducted a thorough statistical analysis to compare the effects of white and red wine consumption(Image: Getty Images/Westend61)
Wine lovers, brace yourselves. New research brings bad news for one variant of the alcoholic beverage, with its consumption linked to a potentially worsened risk of skin cancer.
The new study, led by Brown University, examined the results of 42 observational studies involving almost 96,000 people in the hopes of answering one question. Is red wine healthier than white when it comes to cancer risk?
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Such research comes after years of praise for drinking red wine in moderation, with some of the world's oldest people 'reaping the benefits' from one to two glasses per day. These potential perks are linked to a compound known as 'resveratrol', which is thought to have antioxidant and anti-inflammation properties.
The US-based research team sought to delve deeper into these supposed benefits, conducting a thorough statistical analysis of previous wine studies. When analysing data of both regular red and white consumption combined, findings revealed no significant increase in overall cancer risk.
However, consumption of white wine specifically was associated with a '22% increased risk of skin cancer' when compared to red wine. Associate professor Eunyoung Cho, who co-led the study, explained: "We conducted a comprehensive meta-analysis to assess whether red wine is truly a healthier choice than white wine.
Woman drinking white wine on patio
Consumption of white wine was associated with a '22% increased risk of cancer'(Image: Getty Images/Hero Images)
"Our analysis included as many published epidemiological studies as possible that separately explored the relationship between red and white wine consumption and cancer risk.
"The results revealed no significant difference in cancer risk between red and white wine overall. However, we did observe a distinction when it came to skin cancer risk. Specifically, the consumption of white wine, but not red wine, was associated with an increased risk of skin cancer."
Analysis based on sex also showed that white wine intake was correlated with an increased cancer risk in women. The underlying reasons behind this are unclear, though scientists speculate that heavy wine consumption is potentially more common among people who exhibit other high-risk behaviours.
The team mentioned inadequate sunscreen use and indoor tanning bed habits as part of this but stressed that further research is necessary to explore these links.
Despite red wine's potential perks, it is also crucial to note that frequent, heavy alcohol consumption - regardless of your drink of choice - can pose numerous long-term dangers.
NHS England%2C%20CVD%20and%20stroke.) warns that millions of people are admitted to hospital each year with liver disease, heart conditions, and stokes, among other issues - all of which can be influenced by long-term alcohol use.
Metal taps with the wooden handle for draft beer
Current guidelines recommend drinking no more than 14 'units' of alcohol per week spread across three or more days(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
In the UK, current guidelines recommend drinking no more than 14 'units' of alcohol per week spread across three or more days. For context, that's around six medium (175ml) glasses of wine, or six pints of 4% beer.
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In light of this, Helen Bell, a nutritionist at Help & Advice, previously told the Mirror: "Exceeding these limits can lead to a host of health issues, including liver disease, increased risk of cancer, and cardiovascular problems.
"I've had cases where individuals believed they were drinking moderately, only to realise their consumption was higher than recommended, leading to adverse health effects. I always recommend keeping track of your alcohol intake by knowing what constitutes a unit of alcohol. For example, a standard glass of wine (175ml) is about two units.
"Spreading your consumption over the week and including several alcohol-free days can help keep your intake within healthy limits."