Wine Reduces the Risk of Esophagitis, Barrett’s, and Esophageal Cancer

Three studies published in the journal Gastroenterology address the question of the effect of alcohol, including wine, on the risk of reflux esophagitis, Barrett’s esophagus, and adenocarcinoma of the esophagus. All 3 of these conditions, as well as gastro-esophageal reflux disorder (GERD), may be increased by over-consumption of alcohol. But it’s a bit more complicated that that . . .

The first study, which comes from Ireland, looked for a relationship between alcohol intake at age 21 and at 5 years before the interview date. There were at least 220 patients with each of the 3 conditions, as well as 260 control, or healthy, subjects.

Total alcohol consumption at age 21 was linked to an increase in the risk of esophagitis, but not with the other two conditions. Recent wine consumption patterns (i.e. 5 years before the interview date) were not associated with any of the three conditions. Drinking wine, in fact, had the opposite effect – roughly a halving of the risk of reflux esophagitis.

The second study was based on data from Kaiser Permanente in California. Over 300 patients newly-diagnosed with Barrett’s esophagus were matched with persons with GERD but without Barrett’s, and with healthy control persons. There was no association between overall alcohol consumption and the risk of Barrett’s esophagus, but wine drinkers (7 or fewer glasses a week) had less than half the number of Barrett’s esophagus than non-drinkers.

The third study, from Australia, examined the drinking history of patients with the two main types of cancer of the esophagus, adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. The researchers found that heavy alcohol intake was linked with an increased risk of squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus, but no increased risk of adenocarcinoma. However, moderate intake (wine or spirits, 7 or fewer drinks a week) was linked with a lower risk for both types of cancer, compared with that for non-drinkers.

Altogether, a somewhat confusing set of results, you might say. What seems to stand out is the finding that a glass of wine a day won’t hurt, and it would probably improve your chances of avoiding reflux esophagitis, Barrett’s esophagus, and both types of esophageal cancer. More than a glass (or two?)a day is to be avoided, though . . .