A government study on alcohol released on Tuesday reveals that health risks begin with even one drink daily. The findings sparked controversy, particularly from the alcohol industry.
Research concludes that consuming one drink per day slightly increases the risk of premature death from alcohol-related illnesses or injuries. Specifically, the risk affects one in 1,000 people. However, this risk rises to one in 25 when consuming two drinks daily, a level previously deemed safe for men. These findings appear in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs.
This study is one of two commissioned under the Biden administration aiming to update U.S. dietary guidelines. The second report, conducted by a panel from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM), reached different conclusions. It suggests that moderate drinking—two drinks daily for men and one for women—may be healthier than abstaining. Notably, moderate drinking also associates with a higher breast cancer risk. Some panelists in this report maintain financial ties to the alcohol industry.
The latter findings align more with the alcohol industry’s views. The industry criticized the Alcohol Intake and Health Study as ideologically driven and flawed. It also communicated its concerns to government officials over several years.
In January, the Trump administration issued updated dietary guidelines recommending less drinking for better health. Unlike previous years, these guidelines excluded advice on specific daily limits.
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