International Journal of Cardiovascular Sciences. 25/Jul/2025;38:e20240240.

Comparison of the Effects of Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Red Wine on Flow-Mediated Dilation and Brachial Artery Vasodilation

Daniel Medeiros Moreira , Luiza Frassetto Martins , Lucca Antonini Savas , Rafael Cegielka

DOI: 10.36660/ijcs.20240240

Abstract

Background:

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Wine consumption has been associated with cardiovascular benefits, which are attributed to the presence of flavonoids.

Objectives:

To assess the effects of alcoholic and non-alcoholic red wine on endothelial function by measuring variations in brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and analyzing changes in arterial diameter, heart rate, and blood pressure.

Methods:

A randomized, parallel, controlled clinical trial was conducted with 22 participants assessed at 2 distinct time points. Participants consumed 200 mL of red wine and, after a 7-day washout period, received 200 mL of non-alcoholic wine. Data were analyzed using Student’s t test. P values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results:

Pre-ischemia brachial artery diameter increased after both interventions: with alcoholic wine (3.21 ± 0.46 mm before versus 3.51 ± 0.53 mm after; p < 0.001) and non-alcoholic wine (3.16 ± 0.48 mm before versus 3.31 ± 0.58 mm after; p = 0.003). FMD showed a decrease after consumption of alcoholic wine (11.88% ± 8.40% before versus 5.98% ± 5.34% after; p = 0.007), whereas consumption of non-alcoholic wine did not result in significant changes (7.26% ± 6.39% before versus 6.01% ± 5.85% after; p = 0.572). Other parameters, such as heart rate and blood pressure, did not show any significant differences.

Conclusion:

Consumption of red wine, with and without alcohol, increased brachial artery diameter. However, alcoholic red wine was associated with reduced FMD, suggesting that ethanol may negatively affect endothelial function.