Researchers from the Boston University School of Public Health and a collaborative team uncovered evidence that alcohol consumption can hasten the body’s biological aging process. These findings were reported in a recent issue of Aging Research Reviews. (Attribution: Boston University School of Public Health, 2024)
The study enrolled 3,823 adults and older adults, gathering detailed health information and examining how ethanol exposure affects DNA methylation. DNA methylation is a chemical modification that does not change the protein sequence encoded by genes, but it can alter gene activity and regulation. By assessing methylation patterns, scientists can estimate an individual’s rate of biological aging. (Attribution: BU School of Public Health, 2024)
Among the participants, long-term, heavy alcohol use correlated with increases in GrimAge acceleration and PhenoAge acceleration, two epigenetic clocks that reflect biological aging. GrimAge acceleration signals aging linked to vascular and heart disease risk, while PhenoAge acceleration indicates broader organ and system wear due to methylation changes. (Attribution: BU School of Public Health, 2024)
The results suggest that alcohol can indeed raise biological age. The researchers note that consuming about 14 grams of ethanol daily, roughly the amount found in a small glass of wine or a standard beer, is associated with a measurable uptick in PhenoAge acceleration. The study also indicates that the impact on GrimAge acceleration varies with the type of alcoholic beverage. (Attribution: BU School of Public Health, 2024)
These findings align with emerging evidence that even moderate daily intake can influence the body’s aging trajectory, underscoring the importance of considering long-term consumption patterns, beverage type, and individual susceptibility. The study contributes to a growing body of work linking alcohol to accelerated epigenetic aging and increased risk for age-related diseases. (Attribution: BU School of Public Health, 2024)
Previous researchers explored whether alcohol can improve sleep in certain situations, but the new data emphasize potential tradeoffs between short-term sleep benefits and longer-term aging effects. The overall message is that alcohol use patterns matter for aging markers and health outcomes, particularly among middle-aged and older adults. (Attribution: BU School of Public Health, 2024)