Promoting lower-alcohol, lower-calorie wines

Three researchers from Deakin University have written to the Medical Journal of Australia raising concerns about the promotion of low-alcohol wines.

"We have previously argued that the recent rapid increase in the popularity of low-carbohydrate (“low-carb”) beers, in Australia and other countries, is more a community health risk than a healthy alternative to traditional beers," argue Dr Stephen McKenzie, Dr Peter Miller and Associate Professor Evie Leslie.

"This contention has since been supported by a survey conducted by the Victorian Health Promotion Foundation (VicHealth), which found that “low carbohydrate beer drinkers mistakenly believe these beverages are a healthier choice than other varieties”.

• Read the full letter