Moderate red wine intake linked to lower cardiovascular risk in Mediterranean diet study

A new study led by Dr. María Pérez and Dr. Rosa Casas from the University of Barcelona has found that moderate red wine consumption may be linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, thanks to its anti-inflammatory effects. The research, published on April 25, 2025, in The Journal of Nutrition, Health and Aging, was supported by the Foundation for Wine and Nutrition Research (FIVIN) and the Spanish Wine Interprofessional Organization (OIVE). The study is part of the well-known PREDIMED clinical trial, which focuses on the cardiovascular benefits of the Mediterranean diet.

The main goal of the research was to evaluate whether certain metabolites derived from resveratrol—a polyphenol found mainly in red wine—could serve as reliable biomarkers for wine consumption. The researchers also wanted to analyze how these biomarkers relate to markers of systemic inflammation and cardiovascular risk. The team measured levels of resveratrol metabolites in urine samples and compared them with levels of VCAM-1, a glycoprotein associated with vascular inflammation and atherosclerosis.

The results showed an inverse relationship between urinary resveratrol metabolites and VCAM-1 levels. In other words, higher concentrations of these metabolites were linked to lower levels of VCAM-1, suggesting a possible protective effect from moderate wine consumption on cardiovascular health. Dr. María Pérez Bosch explained that using biomarkers like urinary resveratrol metabolites allows for more accurate measurement of wine intake than traditional food frequency questionnaires.

The study supports the idea that a healthy diet, such as the Mediterranean diet—which includes moderate wine consumption during main meals—can help reduce cardiovascular risk. Researchers defined moderate consumption as about one glass of wine per day, always within the context of meals and a balanced Mediterranean diet. They emphasized that moderation is key and warned against indiscriminate drinking.

The findings highlight that not all patterns of alcohol consumption have the same impact on health. The study provides scientific evidence that wine, when consumed moderately and as part of a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, extra virgin olive oil, and nuts, can be integrated into a heart-healthy lifestyle. The researchers also stressed the importance of considering not just what people consume but also how, when, and with what foods they consume it.

This research was presented at the International Congress on Lifestyle, Diet, Wine and Health held in Rome. The study adds to growing evidence about the role of dietary patterns in disease prevention and offers new insights into how specific components like red wine can contribute to cardiovascular health when consumed responsibly.

Source: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnha.2025.100542