Moderate drinking may be healthier than teetotaling
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One or two alcoholic drinks a day may reduce the risk of dying more than completely abstaining, according to a review of existing research by the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine.
Why it matters: The findings help inform Health and Human Services and the Department of Agriculture in developing guidance on alcohol consumption in the next Dietary Guidelines for Americans, expected in late 2025.
- Current guidelines come down on the side of temperance, saying it's a choice between not at all or moderation and that "drinking less is better for health."
What they found: The review, which was ordered up by Congress, looked at multiple studies of light to moderate drinking, defined as two drinks a day for men and one for women.
- When it came to cardiovascular health, the moderate use of alcohol was associated with a lower risk of nonfatal heart attacks and strokes, as well as a lower overall risk of death.
- There was some increased risk for breast and colorectal cancer, but no broader conclusion could be made for most other cancers.
Between the lines: The findings appear to contradict studies and a World Health Organization position that "no amount of alcohol" appears to be safe, largely based on increased cancer risk.
- And the National Academies' conclusions come at a time when regular alcohol use has been falling out of favor, particularly with young adults.
The bottom line: One thing everyone seems to agree on: heavy drinking — defined as more than three or four drinks a day — should be avoided.
- While most doctors won't be prescribing booze like the old days, those people who do imbibe could derive some benefit if they keep their consumption levels in check.
