Workshop to summarise GWRDC-funded and research outcomes for wine and health, and to provide direction for further research initiatives which impact on policy

Abstract

A workshop to summarise the Grape and Wine Research and Development Corporation (GWRDC)-
funded research outcomes for wine and health (projects CSN 97/2, HRI 97/2 and UWA 97/2) was held
in December 2002. An objective of the workshop was also to provide direction and recommendations
for further research initiatives which impact on policy. The results of the collaborative research which
was undertaken by three Australian research groups suggests that the wine-derived phenolic
compounds are absorbed into the body and that the most efficacious beverage to reduce and prevent
the oxidation of low density lipoprotein, associated with atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease, is
dealcoholised red wine. Ethanol-containing red wine is less efficacious but may counter the harmful
pro-oxidative effects of the ethanol component in plasma, low density lipoproteins and on DNA.
Dealcoholised red wine is also more efficacious at protecting DNA from oxidative damage.
Background diet, disease and smoking status, however, may influence the antioxidant effects of the
wine-derived phenolic compounds, which may act synergistically with the endogenous antioxidant,
vitamin E. Further clinical research is recommended to confirm these results, as is clinical research to
determine whether moderate wine consumption is cardioprotective in two population groups at higher
risk of cardiovascular disease¾the obese and those with type 2 diabetes, which are increasing in
prevalence in the developed and developing world. To assist the Wine Australia in assessing whether it
should continue to fund wine and health research in future, a list of prioritised research projects was
prepared as well as a list of criteria with which to evaluate and select future projects. Furthermore, an
assessment of the risks and benefits in funding wine and health research highlighted that there were
more benefits and opportunities for industry, and that any potential risks or be managed and hence
minimised. A significant and tangible benefit that was highlighted is the ability of industry to use this
research to demonstrate its duty of care to consumers