Moderate Drinking Raises Health Risks
A federal analysis released on Tuesday has revealed that even consuming just one alcoholic beverage a day can significantly increase the risk of liver cirrhosis, esophageal cancer, oral cancer, and various injuries for both men and women. The report also highlights that women face a higher risk of liver cancer at this level of alcohol consumption. The risk of alcohol-related death doubles for both genders when consumption rises to two drinks a day, the current guideline for men but twice the recommendation for women.
This report, created by a scientific review panel under the Department of Health and Human Services, is one of two conflicting assessments that will influence the U.S. Dietary Guidelines this year. Concerns have been growing among scientists that the dangers of moderate drinking, particularly the risk of cancer, have been underestimated. The American Cancer Society notes cancer as the leading cause of death for Americans under 85.
In contrast, a December review by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine suggested moderate drinking might reduce heart attack and stroke deaths. However, it acknowledged a slight increase in breast cancer risk for women, without strong evidence linking alcohol to other cancers.
The U.S. surgeon general recently proposed cancer warnings on alcohol labels, akin to cigarette warnings, citing increasing scientific evidence. The governmental report supports this, asserting that any alcohol consumption increases cancer risk, which grows with higher consumption levels.
Timothy Naimi, a co-author of the report and director of the Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, stated that what was previously considered moderate drinking is now seen as moderately risky. Despite acknowledging some protective effects, such as a reduced risk of diabetes in women who consume one drink daily, the benefits were overshadowed by the risks. For instance, the reduced stroke risk associated with one daily drink vanishes with two or more drinks.
The analysis found no protective effect against hemorrhagic strokes or ischemic heart disease, countering long-held beliefs about alcohol’s cardiovascular benefits. The report did not recommend specific drinking limits, leaving that to the final dietary guidelines. However, it emphasized that alcohol-related health risks begin at low consumption levels and escalate with increased intake.
Katherine M. Keyes, an epidemiology professor at Columbia University and a panel member, warned that even low to moderate alcohol consumption poses more risks than benefits. This view is bolstered by research showing harmful drinking habits have surged since the pandemic began.
The report underlines that no alcohol consumption level is risk-free, likening the risk acceptance to engaging in other risky activities like mountain biking. Despite long-standing evidence linking alcohol to cancer, many Americans remain unaware of the risks.
The alcohol industry has criticized the report, accusing its authors of bias and conflict of interest. A coalition of alcohol manufacturers and related organizations expressed concerns that the dietary guidelines might not be based on sound scientific evidence, urging consumers to follow the current guidelines and consult healthcare providers.
The last dietary guidelines review in 2020 suggested lowering the recommendation to one drink daily for both genders, but the final guidelines remained unchanged. The report links alcohol consumption to increased risks of several cancers, including breast, colorectal, liver, and cancers of the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, and esophagus, with women being particularly vulnerable.
The report also highlights the heightened risk of alcohol-related deaths from car accidents and injuries, especially for those who start drinking as teenagers. The risk of alcohol-attributed death increases significantly for young people who escalate their drinking from one drink a week to three per day.
This analysis, which drew from previous reviews and observational studies, assessed the relationship between varying levels of low alcohol consumption and overall mortality risk from alcohol-related health conditions and accidents. Unlike the National Academies’ report, which compared moderate drinking to abstinence, this report focused on different levels of low alcohol intake and their associated risks. The conclusions apply to all alcohol types, including wine, beer, and spirits. Public commentary on these reports will be open starting Wednesday until February 14.
