The 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs) are set for release later this year, but a recent report is already causing concern. A newly published study claims that even low levels of alcohol consumption increase health risks, a conclusion that conflicts with other major research. Industry leaders argue that the findings lack transparency, rely on selective data, and contradict established science on moderate drinking.
The study reviewed observational data but excluded randomized controlled trials, which are considered the most reliable form of research. It concluded that drinking more than seven drinks per week raises the risk of alcohol-related death to 1 in 1,000, while exceeding nine drinks per week increases it to 1 in 100. It also linked alcohol use to increased mortality from seven types of cancer, including breast, liver, and colorectal cancer.
These findings conflict with a National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) study, which found that moderate alcohol consumption is associated with lower all-cause mortality and cardiovascular benefits. While NASEM acknowledged an increased risk of breast cancer, it found that evidence linking alcohol to other cancers was not yet conclusive.
The involvement of a committee focused on underage drinking in shaping guidelines for adult consumption is raising concerns. Unlike the NASEM study, which was funded by Congress, this study was neither authorized nor funded. Many of those responsible for the research have ties to anti-alcohol advocacy groups, calling its objectivity into question.
While the DGAs are not laws, they influence public health messaging, policy decisions, and industry regulations. If stricter recommendations are adopted, consumer behavior may shift, affecting sales and leading to regulatory changes for restaurants, bars, and retailers.
Industry groups are urging policymakers to ensure that scientific evidence, not selective advocacy, shapes the final guidelines. With the recommendations expected by the end of the year, the outcome could redefine how alcohol is perceived and regulated in the U.S. for years to come. New Alcohol Guidelines 2025
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