Scientists Recommend Limiting Alcohol to One Drink Per Day

The latest federal dietary guidelines, released in January, take a less specific approach, advising Americans to reduce alcohol consumption to improve overall health. However, researchers argue that clearer numerical guidance is needed to help people make informed choices.

The study’s authors reviewed 56 systematic analyses examining the relationship between alcohol use and health outcomes. They then applied these findings to mortality data from the United States to estimate the long-term risks associated with drinking.

Their analysis found that men who consume more than 6.5 alcoholic drinks per week and women who consume more than seven drinks weekly face a lifetime risk of more than 1 in 1,000 of dying from an alcohol-related disease or injury. For both sexes, the risk increases to more than 1 in 100 when weekly consumption exceeds 8.5 drinks. At 14 drinks per week, the lifetime risk rises to approximately 1 in 25.

Researchers noted that alcohol consumption is associated with a higher risk of death from liver cirrhosis, several types of cancer—including cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, colon, liver, and breast—and various injuries. While moderate drinking has been linked to a reduced risk of ischemic heart disease and ischemic stroke, the potential cardiovascular benefits are largely offset by episodes of binge drinking.

According to the authors, the overall health risks of alcohol substantially outweigh any potential heart-related benefits. They emphasize that the belief that moderate drinking is beneficial to health is not supported by the totality of current evidence.

Experts also point out that individual risk varies depending on personal and family medical history. People with a family history of cardiovascular disease may assess alcohol-related risks differently from those with a strong family history of cancer. Nevertheless, the researchers conclude that limiting consumption to one drink per day represents a safer guideline for the general population.