[Christmas article: A little booze to warm you up - true or false? A thermographic Christmas study]

In December, it is common to enjoy mulled wine, often believed to warm the body. While alcohol can cause peripheral vasodilation, it remains unclear whether it truly increases body warmth or is merely a subjective sensation. This study aimed to evaluate the warming effect of mulled wine using thermography.

This randomised, crossover study enrolled 15 participants. Participants consumed mulled wine with 12g alcohol or without alcohol on separate days. Facial temperatures were measured using thermography at baseline and every 10 minutes for 60 minutes after consumption. Participants wore Santa hats to standardise heat loss and maintained room temperature at 22°C. A questionnaire assessed subjective warmth and festive spirit. Blood alcohol concentration was evaluated throughout the study.

Facial thermography showed a significant temperature increase in participants who consumed mulled wine with alcohol of mean (± SD) 33.6°C (± 1.3) vs 32.9 (± 1.0) °C on days with no alcohol, p = 0.039. Subjective warmth ratings were also higher on alcohol days, p = 0.002. However, participants reported an equally increased festive mood, regardless of alcohol content.

Mulled wine with alcohol increases facial temperature and subjective feelings of warmth. However, non-alcoholic versions also elevate the festive spirit, suggesting they offer a seasonal atmosphere without the effects of alcohol.

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