High-density-lipoprotein cholesterol and types of alcoholic beverages consumed among men and women

Objectives. Differences by sex in the relationship between high-density- lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and consumption of alcoholic beverages were examined in 1516 individuals. Methods. Questionnaires and blood-sample data from cross-sectional surveys were analyzed. Results. Both beer and liquor were independently associated with increased HDL cholesterol in the total group, in men, and in women after covariates were controlled for. Wine was associated with a significant increase in HDL cholesterol in women only. Conclusions. Among women and men, amount may be more important than type of alcoholic beverage consumed. The independent effect of wine on HDL cholesterol among men remains unclear since few men in this population consumed wine exclusively or in large quantities.