U.S. Dietary Guidelines are anticipated to do away with the long-standing advice that adults limit alcohol consumption to one or two drinks per day. This development follows earlier reports that the alcohol industry has been under increased scrutiny due to concerns about the health effects of alcohol.
The updated Dietary Guidelines for Americans, scheduled for release as early as this month, are expected to include a succinct statement that Americans should drink in moderation or limit alcohol intake due to its accompanying health risks. Still, it should be noted that these guidelines are yet to be finalized and remain subject to change.
The current guidelines suggest a limit of one serving or less per day for women, and two or fewer for men. This recommendation is akin to those in other countries, such as the United Kingdom, which advises a limitation of drinking to 14 units per week. However, Canada has taken a more conservative approach, cautioning that health risks can begin to increase with just two drinks per week.
This raises important questions about the health risks associated with even moderate drinking. Reports indicate that moderate drinking is linked to increased health risks, including a higher risk of breast cancer. However, some studies have also suggested potential health benefits, such as a lower risk of stroke. The evidence suggests that the scientific basis for recommending specific daily limits is limited, and the priority is to ensure that the guidelines reflect only the most robust evidence.
The new guidelines, developed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, wield significant international influence and impact policies ranging from school lunch programs to medical advice. This change could therefore have far-reaching implications.
Some alcohol industry executives had feared a move towards tighter recommendations on alcohol intake as global health authorities like the World Health Organization have escalated their warnings about alcohol’s health risks. Major industry players, such as Diageo and Anheuser-Busch InBev, have been lobbying lawmakers throughout the review process.
The new guidelines are likely to deviate from suggesting consumers limit alcohol consumption to a specific number of daily servings. This guideline’s revision has raised concerns among some officials and researchers who have advocated for more stringent restrictions.
The guidelines, which are reviewed every five years, have recommended drinking in moderation, defined as no more than one drink per day for women and no more than two for men, since 1990. The new, more general language expected in the guidelines has been criticized as being “so vague as to be unhelpful.” Critics argue that the message that even moderate drinking can increase risks, particularly for breast cancer, would be lost.
In closing, the guidelines’ changes reflect differing conclusions about alcohol’s health effects and the science surrounding it.
