Alcohol-free beer consumption in Britain has reached unprecedented levels, with pub sales hitting a record 120 million pints in 2023.
This represents a 14 per cent increase from the previous year and a remarkable 77.8 per cent surge since 2019.
The dramatic rise reflects a significant shift in British drinking habits, as increasing numbers of people choose what they perceive to be healthier alternatives to alcoholic beverages.
However, new research from German and American scientists suggests these drinks may not deliver the health benefits consumers expect. The study raises concerns about the metabolic effects of regular alcohol-free beer consumption.
Scientists have sounded the alarm over the metabolic risks of regular alcohol-free beer consumption
PA
Researchers from Germany and the United States tracked 44 healthy young men over a four-week period.
Participants consumed either two 330ml bottles of alcohol-free beer or water daily, with scientists conducting regular blood tests to monitor physiological changes.
The findings, published in the journal Nutrients, revealed concerning impacts on cardiovascular health markers.
Blood sugar levels increased significantly among those drinking alcohol-free beer, alongside elevated insulin levels in the bloodstream.
The study also documented rises in harmful cholesterol and triglycerides, blood fats associated with heart disease.
These metabolic changes occurred despite participants consuming beverages marketed as healthier alternatives to traditional alcoholic drinks.
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The metabolic changes documented in the study indicate increased risks of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
The research found that wheat beers and mixed beers, often flavoured with orange or lemon soda, posed greater health dangers than other varieties.
Pilsner-type beers with minimal or no alcohol content proved slightly less harmful to participants' metabolic health. Many alcohol-free beers also contain substantial calories, potentially contributing to obesity risk.
These findings challenge the widespread assumption that switching to alcohol-free alternatives automatically confers health benefits.
The study demonstrates that regular consumption of these beverages can trigger concerning physiological changes typically associated with serious chronic conditions.
The researchers concluded: "Non-alcoholic beer is increasingly consumed as an alternative to alcoholic drinks.
Diabetes remains a chronic condition that affects millionsGETTY"But the benefits and risks are not yet known. We found they have an unfavourable effect on metabolism, mainly driven by their calorie and sugar content."
The scientists emphasised that whilst avoiding heavy alcohol consumption remains beneficial for health, their findings demonstrate that alcohol-free beers are "far from harmless".
The metabolic impacts appear to stem primarily from the high calorie and sugar content of these beverages.
The research highlights a gap between consumer perceptions of alcohol-free beer as a healthy choice and the reality of its metabolic effects.
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