University of Colorado-Denver researchers found that moderate consumption of wine lowers chronic kidney disease risks.
While an apple a day keeps the doctor away, a glass of wine a day keeps chronic kidney disease (CKD) at bay. According to a new study conducted by Colorado-Denver researchers, drinking moderate amounts of wine can reduce CKD risks. For people already diagnosed with CKD, moderate wine consumption lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease.
For the study, researchers used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination survey, conducted between 2003 and 2006. They analyzed the amount of wine consumed by 5,852 participants and found that those who drank one glass of wine a day had a 37 percent lower risk of developing CKD compared to those who didn't drink wine at all.
"Kidney disease shares common risk factors with cardiovascular disease, and previous studies have shown that wine consumption has an association with lower risk of cardiovascular disease in the general population," lead study author Dr. Tapan Mehta toldFoxNews.com.
Additionally, researchers found that the 1,031 participants who already had CKD experienced a 29 percent reduction in cardiovascular disease risks compared to non-drinkers.
Dr Tapan Mehta, a renal fellow at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Centre said that the study didn't determine the exact mechanism as to how wine reduces chronic kidney disease risks. However, the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of wine may have a huge role to play. Additionally, previous studies have stated that drinking in moderate amounts lowers the level of proteins in urine and researchers have found that high levels of proteins in urine increases the progression of kidney diseases.
"The study suggests wine is protective against kidney disease and, in those with kidney disease, heart disease but we cannot make any firm cause and effect conclusion," Mehta said, according to Health24. "While the study found an association, it was not designed to prove a cause-and-effect relationship."
Mehta and his team were also not able to determine whether it was red or white wine that had the effect on CKD since the participants of the study didn't report the kind of wine they drank. However, since many studies have highlighted the wide range of health benefits red wine has, Mehta speculates it may be the one reducing CKD risks.
"This is just an association study, so we can't conclude any cause-and-effect relationship; so we can't yet recommend people with kidney disease to start drinking wine," he said, according to WebMD. "People have this idea that alcohol is forbidden [when you have CKD]...but it's really in moderation,"
The researchers also highlighted that this study is not intended to encourage non-drinkers to take to drinking. They also specified that the consumption of wine should be moderate to reap maximum benefits. According to the American Heart Association, one glass of wine is four ounces.
According to the National Kidney Foundation, chronic kidney disease affects 26 million American adults. Heart disease is the major cause of death for those with CKD.
