- Researchers in Spain are conducting the world’s largest clinical trial on the health effects of moderate alcohol consumption, tracking 10,000 adults aged 50–75 over four years.
- The study, funded by the European Research Council, aims to provide clear evidence on whether moderate drinking is beneficial, neutral, or harmful—but volunteers must live in Spain to join.
Do you like to drink a glass or two of wine at night? If so, scientists in Spain are looking for your help—and will give you free wine in exchange.
In May, The Olive Press Shared the news that researchers from the University of Navarra’s Alumni Trialist Initiative, (UNATI), are seeking volunteers for the largest clinical trial in alcohol history. This study aims to better understand the health effects of moderate alcohol consumption.
As well as the volunteer intake form explainedParticipants will be monitored for four years in order to “determine if moderate alcohol consumption is beneficial to health, neutral to health, or harmful.”
The research, funded by a €2.4 million (about $2.79 million) grant via the European Research Council, will track 10,000 people aged 50 to 75 split into two groups: one group who will consume alcohol daily (moderate amounts equal to fewer than seven drinks a week for women and 14 drinks a week for men) and the other who will completely abstain from any alcohol throughout the research period.
Participants will be randomly assigned either to the control group or to the experimental group. Both groups are required to participate in quarterly meetings, complete health surveys, and have health coaches at their disposal.
Researchers say that policymakers and clinicians have been confused by conflicting guidelines. While abstinence is considered the healthiest choice, many health advocates claim there is “no safe level of consumption of alcohol.” However, nonrandomized studies show moderate drinkers to be more likely to live longer and achieve other benefits than abstainers over the age of 50. abstract explains. “However potential biases could compromise these studies, especially when effects are moderate or null.” It is putting together its “large pragmatic controlled trial” in order to get to the bottom of things.
It added that “it will provide first-level proof to confront the harmful effects of one of humankind’s most widely used substances.”
Both groups will be given “gifts of food and drinks.” Abstainers receive “0% alcohol beer and extra virgin olive oil in order to encourage adherence to a Mediterranean diet,” while those who moderate their intake will receive “red wines (1.5 l/mo), and the same amount extra virgin olive oil as the other group.”
The free wine is provided by a supermarket, and not a single winery, or alcohol company.
The Olive Press has reported that 6500 people have already signed up. This means the team still needs 3,500 volunteers between 50 and 75 years old.
However, there is a major catch. You must live in Spain in order to be eligible. It’s a good time to move, isn’t it?
