Red wine flavonoids and vascular health

Abstract. Relative to non-drinkers, a low to moderate alcohol intake is associated with lower risk of cardiovascular and total mortality. Epidemiological studies also suggest that a low to moderate red wine consumption may protect against cardiovascular disease. Because epidemiological studies show a similar relationship for different types of alcoholic beverages, the alcohol (ethanol), at low to moderate intakes, is proposed to provide protection. However, it remains uncertain whether there is a causal link between alcohol generally or red wine specifically and cardiovascular disease. This is very difficult to explore in epidemiological studies because of the many confounding social and dietary factors, and because risk of cardiovascular disease increases substantially from moderate to very high intakes of alcohol. The other major components of red wine that have received attention as potentially cardioprotective are the flavonoids. There is mounting evidence that flavonoids and foods and beverages rich in flavonoids can make an important contribution to cardiovascular health. Fruit and vegetables, tea and cocoa are important sources of flavonoids in the human diet. The intake of these foods hasl been associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease in population studies. Flavonoids are potent antioxidants in vitro, but it is their ability to cause vasorelaxation that is likely to be important for any vascular health benefits. Red grapes, their skin, their seeds and the wine derived from them are rich in flavonoids. Population studies have found that higher intakes of flavonoids are associated with lower risk for cardiovascular disease. In vitro studies, studies using animal models and human intervention studies have investigated how flavonoids might contribute to reduced ris