A survey by Universidade of Munique analyzed 65 types of beer sold at Alemanha. The work showed that the drink can deliver measurable amounts of vitamin B6, an essential nutrient for the brain, blood and immune system. A 500ml glass of regular lager provided around 20% of the recommended daily intake in some cases.
The study was published in Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, of Sociedade Química Americana. The researchers tested both alcohol-containing beers and non-alcoholic versions. The fermentation process preserves part of the vitamin present in ingredients such as barley, wheat and yeast.
Estudo measured vitamin B6 in a variety of German beers
The team led by Michael Rychlik quantified B6 vitamers in commercial samples. Cervejas bock, fuller-bodied and with higher alcohol content, recorded the highest levels. Lagers, the most consumed, came next. Dark and wheat Cervejas also presented significant amounts.
Versions made with rice had the lowest levels. Entre those without alcohol, those that undergo complete fermentation before removing the alcohol, concentrated more vitamin B6. A non-alcoholic lager tested reached almost 59% of the daily recommendation in 500 ml.
- Cervejas bock presented the highest levels of B6
- Common Lagers delivered an average of 20% of the recommended intake
- Versões without alcohol maintained or exceeded levels of some with alcohol
- Cervejas with rice recorded the lowest values
- Diferenças occur depending on ingredients and production process
Vitamina B6 acts on the functioning of the brain and body
Vitamin B6 participates in protein metabolism, the formation of neurotransmitters and the production of hemoglobin. Traditional Fontes include meat, fish, oats, potatoes and chickpeas. Muitos breakfast cereals are enriched with the nutrient.
Deficiency is rare in the general population, but can occur in very restricted diets or associated with a lack of other B vitamins. Sintomas include tiredness and nausea. Homens need around 1.4 mg per day, while women require 1.2 mg, according to the British NHS. A liter of beer can contain between 0.3 mg and 1 mg of the vitamin, according to the study.
Especialistas warn about moderate consumption and main sources
Bridget Benelam, from Fundação Britânica from Nutrição, highlighted that B6 is present in many foods. Ela does not recommend beer as a main source of nutrients. Food must be the priority path. Pessoas with restricted diets, such as vegans, may seek fortified milk and yogurt substitutes.
Michael Rychlik, one of the authors, stated that the results are useful for those looking to optimize their vitamin intake. The content found does not reach the level to appear on theas a source of vitamins, even within the recommended alcohol limits.
Riscos from alcohol outweigh potential nutritional gains
Organização Mundial of Saúde (WHO) states that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption. Relatório from 2019 estimated 2.6 million deaths linked to drinking worldwide. Dentre them, 1.6 million due to non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular diseases and cancer.
Alcohol increases the risk of at least seven types of cancer, such as bowel and breast cancer. Mesmo light or moderate consumption poses health risks. Estudos show negative impact on neural networks related to balance, memory, motivation and emotional regulation.
Análise confirms variations depending on beer style and production
The work used stable isotope dilution method with LC-MS/MS for greater accuracy. Resultados indicate that the manufacturing process influences vitamin retention. Alcohol-free Cervejas produced by subsequent removal of alcohol tended to preserve more B6.
German Pesquisadores intend to use the data as a basis for future investigations into vitamins during brewing. The study received support from Scientific Association for Brewing in Munich.