A recent report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM) has reignited discussions about the health effects of alcohol, highlighting a notable finding: moderate alcohol consumption may reduce the risk of death compared to not drinking at all. According to the comprehensive study, individuals who consume alcohol in moderation have a 16 percent lower risk of dying from any cause than those who abstain.
Despite the report’s positive findings, the issue has been met with mixed reactions from public health authorities and politicians. Outgoing U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy has called for the addition of cancer warning labels on alcoholic beverages, a stance that has garnered significant attention. However, such measures would require congressional approval, and Murthy’s recommendation is likely to be overshadowed by the upcoming transition to a new administration.
The NASEM report, which involved a 14-member panel of experts, provides a nuanced view of alcohol’s health impacts. While acknowledging the increased risk of breast cancer from alcohol consumption—by as much as 10 percent—the report also stresses that moderate drinking is associated with a reduced risk of heart attacks and strokes, two of the leading causes of death in the United States. The study shows that moderate drinkers are 22 percent less likely to experience a heart attack and 11 percent less likely to suffer a stroke compared to non-drinkers.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that heart disease was responsible for 702,880 deaths in 2022, while strokes caused 165,393 deaths. The NASEM study, based on extensive data, suggests that moderate alcohol consumption—defined as one to two drinks per day—could offer a protective benefit, particularly for individuals under the age of 60. In this group, the risk of dying was 20 percent lower among moderate drinkers compared to those who abstain. For individuals over 60, the reduction in mortality risk was 18 percent.
This latest scientific report stands in contrast to the recent push for greater caution in alcohol consumption, led by figures such as Surgeon General Murthy. While alcohol’s role in cancer prevention is a valid concern, the NASEM report emphasizes the broader health benefits that moderate drinking may provide, especially in preventing cardiovascular events. Yet, this positive news has largely been overshadowed by the cautionary stance taken by health officials and major news outlets, such as The New York Times, which has downplayed the findings.
Political and public health discussions around alcohol remain contentious, especially as the U.S. government approaches a potential revision of its dietary guidelines. Currently, the U.S. recommends that men limit their alcohol intake to no more than two drinks per day, while women should consume no more than one. There is a growing movement to reduce these recommendations, mirroring similar efforts in other countries like Canada, where the national health agency has resisted calls to further lower alcohol consumption limits.
NASEM’s findings have been praised by some experts, who argue that the study’s thorough methodology offers the most reliable analysis of alcohol’s health effects. Dr. Laura Catena, a medical doctor and winery owner, called it “the most careful look at the data from prestigious professors,” highlighting that the study rigorously compared moderate drinkers to lifelong abstainers, ensuring a fair evaluation of alcohol’s impact on health.
However, the political landscape surrounding alcohol consumption in the U.S. remains complex. The Congressional Wine Caucus, a bipartisan group advocating for wine interests, includes 127 members of the House of Representatives and two Senators, indicating significant political support for the alcohol industry. This may influence future discussions on alcohol guidelines and potential changes to public health recommendations.
In the face of competing public health perspectives, experts agree that the debate over alcohol consumption is not likely to be settled anytime soon. As Congressman Mike Thompson (D-CA) pointed out, any changes to dietary guidelines should be based on transparency and scientific rigor, with NASEM’s findings providing a solid foundation for future policy decisions.
While health concerns about alcoholism and binge drinking remain critical, the NASEM report underscores the importance of a balanced approach to alcohol consumption. For those who can drink responsibly, moderate alcohol intake may offer a range of health benefits, from reducing the risk of heart disease to potentially lowering mortality rates. As the political and scientific debate continues, the question remains: will public policy reflect the latest evidence, or will it be shaped by longstanding social and political biases?
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