Study Suggests Wine's "Matrix Effect" Enhances Polyphenol Benefits Beyond Isolated Alcohol

A recent scientific review proposes a paradigm shift in how wine and health are studied, advocating for a holistic approach that considers the "matrix effect" rather than focusing solely on isolated compounds. The study highlights how the interaction between polyphenols, alcohol, and other wine components can significantly influence both the bioavailability and biological effects of these compounds, raising questions about the effectiveness of supplements based on isolated ingredients or dealcoholized wine.

A Shift Toward the Matrix Effect

A review study¹ published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences critically examined current methodologies in wine and health research and introduced the matrix effect concept—a complex interaction between various molecules within plant-based matrices that can trigger specific responses, often different from those observed with isolated constituents.

The study focused on three major polyphenols found in wine: tyrosol, hydroxytyrosol, and resveratrol, emphasizing how their lipophilic properties make them readily soluble in hydroalcoholic solutions, unlike most other polyphenolic compounds. This solubility difference is one reason for their higher bioavailability.

Key Findings on the Matrix Effect

The study demonstrates that wine has the most unique matrix among alcoholic beverages and can significantly impact the bioavailability of its phytocomplex formed during fermentation. The wine matrix plays a dual role: enhancing the absorption of beneficial compounds and inhibiting the carcinogenicity of alcohol metabolites.

The researchers identified at least thirteen polyphenols in wine as “potent inhibitors of pathways related to ethanol metabolism into acetaldehyde.” Additionally, three other polyphenols—epicatechin, epicatechin gallate, and epigallocatechin—were shown to attenuate acetaldehyde-induced double-strand DNA breaks by eliminating acetaldehyde.

Limitations of Alternative Products

The review provides evidence of the limitations of wine alternatives:

• Grape juice: Found ineffective as a matrix for quercetin and resveratrol absorption in both animals and humans. In contrast, adding 10% ethanol or whisky to the juice enabled effective absorption.
• Dealcoholized wine: Experiments in postmenopausal women yielded disappointing results, while regular red wine showed a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.
• Red wine extracts (RWE): Showed inconsistent results in human studies, especially in terms of flow-mediated dilation (FMD) outcomes.

Implications and Recommendations

The findings suggest that ignoring the full wine matrix and focusing solely on isolated compounds (such as polyphenols) may lead to misleading conclusions—as is the case with dealcoholized wine or wine-based supplements. Alternatively, this narrow focus may also place undue emphasis on the toxic effects of a single component (alcohol), while overlooking the specific protective effects of other compounds (polyphenols) found in the same matrix.

Limitations and Considerations

• The holistic approach still requires more clinical trials for full validation;
• The specific nature of the wine matrix should be taken into account by public health authorities;
• The interaction among various matrix components demands further investigation;
• Consumption should always adhere to guidelines for moderate alcohol intake.

Conclusion

The study concludes that research on wine and health must move beyond classical molecular models toward concepts like the matrix effect and phytocomplexes. The wine matrix plays a crucial role in enhancing the bioavailability of beneficial compounds and/or inhibiting the carcinogenic effects of alcohol metabolites. This confirms the WHO Scientific Group’s recommendation to “investigate the potential protective effects of ingredients other than alcohol in alcoholic beverages.”

References:

1. Miraldi E, Baini G, Biagi M, Cappellucci G, Giordano A, Vaccaro F, Bertelli AAE. Wine, Polyphenols, and the Matrix Effect: Is Alcohol Always the Same? Int J Mol Sci. 2024 Sep 10;25(18):9796. DOI: 10.3390/ijms25189796.