New research indicates that drinking wine in moderation could be linked to a slower pace of ageing in men, a finding that may surprise some.
It’s widely known that heavy alcohol use can take a serious toll on the body. Previous research has highlighted how decades of drinking can affect the brain, while other studies have warned that even lower levels of regular alcohol intake may raise the risk of conditions such as dementia.
However, a study recently published in the International Journal of Public Health points to a potential upside specifically connected to moderate wine intake and biological ageing in men.
Scientists at LUM University in Casamassima, in southern Italy, analysed data from around 22,000 participants, comparing reported drinking habits with indicators of biological age.
To assess ageing more precisely, the team used artificial intelligence to evaluate men and women against 36 blood-based markers. These included measures related to hormones, fats, and inflammation, helping the researchers estimate biological age rather than simply chronological age.
According to the findings, men who drank about 200ml of wine per day appeared to be, on average, around 0.4 years biologically younger than men who didn’t drink wine.
The authors suggest one possible reason could be polyphenols, natural compounds present in wine. These substances have been associated with reduced inflammation and may support areas such as digestion and brain function. They’ve also been linked in previous research to lower risks for certain chronic illnesses, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers—factors that can influence ageing outcomes over time.
Doctors involved in the study said: “This is the first study to examine the association between patterns of wine consumption and a blood-based measure of biological ageing.
“Moderate wine consumption, but not overall alcohol intake, may contribute to slower biological ageing in men. Components such as polyphenols are a plausible explanation.”
The study added: “Our findings from a large population-based cohort in Southern Italy indicate that moderate wine consumption, as defined by a traditional MD, is associated with slower biological aging in men.
“A dose-response relationship was also observed, suggesting that moderate intake, consistent with a traditional MD, may positively influence aging trajectories. On average, men consuming about 200 mL of wine per day (roughly 1.5–2 glasses) were approximately 0.4 years biologically younger than non-drinkers.”
Even with these results, health guidance remains consistent: anyone who chooses to drink alcohol should do so in moderation, taking overall lifestyle and personal health factors into account.