The latest major report on alcohol’s health effects, released by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM), has stirred controversy by suggesting that moderate drinkers may have lower all-cause mortality and a reduced risk of death from cardiovascular disease compared to those who never drink. This finding goes against the prevailing belief that there are no health benefits to alcohol consumption. The report, which will inform the 2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, does not make recommendations but summarizes recent evidence on how alcohol affects various health outcomes.
The NASEM committee, comprised of 14 experts, reviewed studies on the impact of moderate drinking on weight, cancer, cardiovascular disease, neurocognition, and all-cause mortality. Moderate drinking was defined as two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women. The committee found strong evidence that heavy drinking is detrimental to health, increasing the risk of leading causes of death. However, the association between moderate alcohol consumption and all-cause mortality was less clear. Meta-analysis of eligible studies revealed that moderate drinkers had a 16% lower risk of all-cause mortality compared to non-drinkers.
The report also highlighted a lower risk of heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular disease mortality among moderate drinkers compared to non-drinkers. However, the evidence on weight-related outcomes, certain cancers (such as breast cancer and colorectal cancer), and neurocognitive issues was inconclusive. The committee did not draw any conclusions on lactation outcomes.
Critics have raised concerns about potential biases in the report, particularly the inclusion of researchers with ties to the alcohol industry. Large alcohol companies have a vested interest in the dietary guidelines outcome, as it could impact public perception of drinking. Despite the new findings, the overall trend in medicine has been towards recommending less alcohol consumption, with other countries lowering their recommended drinking thresholds.
The final decision on how the alcohol reports will influence the official dietary guidelines rests with the Department of Health and Human Services. The current guidelines advise moderation in alcohol consumption, with women limited to one drink per day and men to two drinks per day. Binge drinking is discouraged, and certain groups, such as pregnant individuals, are advised to avoid alcohol altogether.
As attitudes towards alcohol and health continue to evolve, the 2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans will play a crucial role in shaping public health policies and practices. The debate over the health effects of alcohol is likely to intensify in the coming months, as experts and policymakers grapple with conflicting evidence and industry interests in the pursuit of promoting overall well-being.
