k of coronary heart disease. Heart disease, in the simplest form, is caused by the build up cholesterol and fatty substances on the wall of the coronary arteries. There is some animal laboratory evidence that indicates that alcohol may prevent arterial narrowing and reduce the possibility of clots forming that block the arteries and cause heart attacks. This evidence is inconclusive at best and further research is needed to determine the impact that alcohol will have on humans. This study is attempting to explain the result of the previous studies that simply indicated a correlation between alcohol consumption and reduced incidence of coronary heart disease without providing a more in depth analysis.
The latest indications on the benefits of alcohol point to the specific benefits of wine consumption. In December of 2001, Reuters reported that British researchers have presented findings that suggest that moderate consumption of red wine may lower the risk of heart disease. The research suggests that polyphenols, which are found in the skins of grapes, decrease the production of proteins that contribute to the clogging of coronary arteries. Red wine is made from the grapes with the skins on while white wine does not include the grape skin, and therefore not the high levels of polyphenols found in red wine. This research was done using cow artery’s cells and therefore the human application is yet unknown.
To counteract the numerous reports on the benefits of alcohol consumption the National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information published an article entitled “What You Don’t Know Can Harm You.” This article specifically addresses the negative effects of moderate consumption. None of the current research disputes that heavy drinking has negative health effects; instead it focuses on the benefits of moderate drinking. It is against this barrage of information that the National Clearinghouse felt it was necessary to point out the negative effects of moderate drinking. The article focuses on the low levels of drinking that will impair a person when driving. Another effect that should be considered is the interaction with medication. The article also mentions that even moderate drinking can cause interpersonal problems, birth defects, and long term health effects. The article is important because it refocuses the debate. The long term effects of alcohol may still be severe and alcoholism is a serious disease that many people face. The positive health effects need to be considered in relation to all of the negative health effects.
The research on alcohol consumption points to possible positive health benefits. This information should be understood within the greater context of the total impact of alcohol on the human body. The alcohol beverage industry is attempting to use this limited information to improve the public perception and the consumption of alcohol. Since this information is often times inconclusive or incomplete it is important that the consumer understand the full picture.
C. FDA Should Regulate Wine Labels
In 1999, the BATF approved two additional statements for wine labels. These statements “...encourage you [the consumer] to consult your family doctor about the health effects of wine...” and direct consumers to send for the Dietary Guidelines for Americans to “...Learn the health effects of wine consumption...” These statements allow the wine industry greater flexibility; however, they do not adequately address the issue. The BATF realizes that these measures are insufficient. The BATF’s limited response and the complexity of the research regarding the health effects of wine indicate that it is necessary to provide greater controls over wine labeling. The BATF does not have the resources or experience to properly regulate health claims regarding alcohol. The industry needs to be able to inform consumers of health effects in an accurate way. The BATF needs to change its policy toward health effects labeling on alcoholic beverages. Since the BATF has historically been influenced by the whim of the industry, 