The latest European study IMMIDIET – to be published in the January issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition – has found that moderate alcohol intake is associated with higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids in plasma and red blood cells.

Of the alcoholic drinks tested, wine had the best results, and indicated a link behind the heart health of moderate wine drinkers.

The study involved 1,604 participants from south-west London in England, Limburg in Belgium and Abruzzo in Italy. The participants’ dietary intake and alcohol consumption for up to one year were recalled in the form of a questionnaire in cooperation with General Practitioners. A comprehensive medical examination was also performed as part of the data gathered for the study.

The benefits of omega-3 fatty acids include protection from coronary heart disease and sudden cardiac death.

What the European study has found is that moderate alcohol consumption stimulates the amount of omega-3 fatty acids in our body.

Romina di Guiseppe, lead author of the study, from the Research Laboratories at Catholic University of Campobasso, Italy, said the study shows how alcohol intake influences the metabolism of essential polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as omega-3.

“People drinking moderate amounts of alcohol, one drink a day for women and two for men, had higher concentration of omega-3 fatty acids in plasma and red blood cells independently of their fish intake,” said Guiseppe.

Yet in terms of whether the effects were due to all alcoholic substances or specific kinds of alcohol, Michel de Lorgeril, a partner in the study explained: “It was not possible to separate the effects of wine from those of beer or spirits. Our study of 3 populations with different dietary habits and different consumption of alcoholic beverages types allowed us to explore this aspect.”

“Analysis carried out on different alcoholic beverages showed that the association between alcohol and omega-3 fatty acids was present in both wine drinkers and beer or spirits drinkers. However, the association was stronger between wine drinking and omega-3 fatty acid levels. This suggests that components of wine other than alcohol is associated with omega-3 fatty acids concentration. We may guess this effect can be ascribed to polyphenols,” said Licia Iacoviello, coordinator of the IMMIDIET study.

Polyphenols are compounds which naturally occur in a variety of foods and beverages and contain strong antioxidant activity.

Please note, the study’s recommendations does not include excessive consumption of alcohol. As previously quotes, the benefits of omega-3 absorption into plasma and red blood cells may only occur after one standard drink for women and two standard drinks for men.