Moderate Wine Consumption, Defined by the Mediterranean Diet, Is Associated With Delayed Biological Aging in Men From the Moli-sani Study

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate the association between wine consumption and biological aging in the Moli-sani Study.

Methods: Dietary data were assessed using a 188-item FFQ. Participants (n = 22,495) were classified as abstainers, former drinkers, moderate drinkers according to national guidelines (≤250 mL/d men; ≤125 mL/d women) or Mediterranean Diet (MD) (125-500 mL/d men; 62.5-250 mL/d women), and heavy drinkers (>500 mL/d men; >250 mL/d women). Biological age (BA) was estimated with a deep neural network using 36 circulating biomarkers, and Δage (BA-chronological age) served as an index of biological aging.

Results: In men, wine consumption, at doses defined moderate by a current MD Score, was associated with slower biological aging (Δage β = -0.39; 95%CI: -0.78, -0.01 vs. abstainers). Dose-response analyses showed a J-shaped curve, with the slowest Δage at ∼170 mL/d (Δage = -0.34 years; 95%CI: -0.66, -0.03). Overall ethanol intake, including all alcoholic beverages consumed, was neutral at moderate levels and associated with faster biological aging at higher doses.

Conclusion: Moderate wine consumption, but not overall ethanol intake, may contribute to slower biological aging in men.

Keywords: biological aging; mediterranean diet; neurological decline; prevention; wine consumption.