Cost-effectiveness of beer versus red wine for the prevention of symptomatic coronary artery disease

BACKGROUND: Until now, red wine has been the cardioprotective beverage of choice, but the convenience and lack of adverse effects make beer a more cost-effective, safe and widely available choice. A paucity of evidence in support of this led to our study. METHODS: During a 6-month period, 11,780 consecutive patrons at 18 randomly selected urban and community liquor distributors were recruited. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either beer or wine daily for 5 years. Of the 10,078 people who met the inclusion criteria, 5033 were assigned to receive red wine and 5039 to receive beer every day. RESULTS: Effectiveness and adverse effects were equal in the 2 groups. However, costs for beer were substantially lower. INTERPRETATION: In view of its effectiveness, low cost, acceptable adverse-event profile and the fact that it is available in convenient single-dose dispensers, beer should replace red wine as the cardioprotective beverage of choice.