Federal Report Challenges Safety of Moderate Alcohol Consumption

New findings suggest even low levels of drinking increase health risks, prompting debate over future U.S. dietary guidelines.

A federal report by the ICCPUD concludes that any alcohol use, even at low levels, is associated with increased risks of cancer, injuries, and premature death.
The report estimates that consuming more than seven drinks a week raises the risk of alcohol-related death to 1 in 1,000, with the risk climbing to 1 in 100 for more than nine drinks weekly.
Critics, including the alcohol industry, question the study's methodology and panel composition, citing potential bias and conflicts of interest.
The findings contrast with a separate December report by the National Academies of Sciences, which highlighted some health benefits of moderate drinking but acknowledged increased cancer risks.
The 2025 U.S. Dietary Guidelines, expected later this year, may revise longstanding recommendations of one drink per day for women and two for men based on these conflicting studies.