For years, red wine has been praised for its potential health benefits, thanks to its antioxidant content like resveratrol. Many believe it to be the “healthier” choice over white wine. But a new study published in Nutrients brings a sobering revelation—when it comes to cancer risk, red and white wine are equally harmful, and white wine may even pose a greater threat to skin cancer.
The Science Behind Wine and Cancer
Alcohol has long been classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), putting it in the same category as tobacco and asbestos. The reason? When alcohol is broken down in the body, it produces acetaldehyde, a highly toxic compound that damages DNA and increases cancer risk.
While red wine contains more antioxidants that may help counteract some damage, this study suggests they do not eliminate the risks associated with alcohol consumption.
Key Findings from the Study
Researchers analyzed 252 studies and included 42 key studies in their final analysis. Their findings were eye-opening:
- Red and white wines showed similar overall risks.
- White wine was linked to a 22% higher risk of skin cancer compared to red wine.
- Both wine types increased the risk of breast cancer, with no significant difference between the two.
- Women were more affected than men in terms of risk.
Interestingly, when only cohort studies (which track participants over time) were analyzed, white wine showed a stronger link to risk of cancer, while red wine did not show a significant association.
What This Means for Wine Lovers
If you’ve been choosing red wine over white, thinking it’s the healthier option, this study suggests otherwise. No type of wine is “safer” when it comes to the risk of cancer. While more research is needed, these findings highlight the importance of making informed choices about alcohol consumption.
Want to stay ahead of the latest health insights? Explore expert-led Nutrition CME/CE Conferences & Online Courses to deepen your understanding of how lifestyle choices impact long-term health.
For more information: Lim RK, Rhee J, Hoang M, et al. Consumption of Red Versus White Wine and Cancer Risk: A Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies. Nutrients. (2025), DOI: 10.3390/nu17030534, https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/17/3/534
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