This study adds to the increasing amount of evidence that is changing the paradigm for alcohol research. In order to overcome identified shortcomings in previous research that demonstrated the advantages of drinking, new approaches are being applied. Moderate and infrequent drinkers are compared in the study. The report comes as US alcohol consumption rules are being reviewed. Reports for an update to the US Dietary Guidelines are being prepared by two scientific bodies. One group is an interagency subcommittee that includes members from health agencies, while the other is organized by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine and is supported by Congress. One committee has nominated Dr. Kenneth Mukamal. He was replaced by another Harvard scientist with connections to the business when NASEM withdrew his nomination.
“Drinking less is better for health than drinking more,” according to current US dietary standards, which prescribe one drink for women and two for men per day. According to the CDC, between 2016–2017 and 2020–2021, the number of fatalities from excessive drinking in the US increased by about 30% as a result of rising alcohol usage. No quantity of alcohol is good for your health, according to the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction, which also notes that even tiny doses can be dangerous. Although excessive drinking causes the majority of health problems, the WHO also cautions that moderate alcohol use might have negative health effects.
