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A federal report released Tuesday (January 14) warns that consuming just one alcoholic drink a day can pose significant health risks. The report, conducted by the Interagency Coordinating Committee for the Prevention of Underage Drinking, highlights increased risks of liver cirrhosis, several cancers, and injuries associated with daily alcohol consumption. While moderate drinking has been linked to a lower risk of ischemic stroke, the benefits are negated by occasional binge drinking.
The report, which reviewed 56 systematic studies, found that Americans consuming more than seven drinks a week face a 1 in 1,000 risk of alcohol-related death, a risk that jumps to 1 in 100 with more than nine drinks weekly. The findings are set to inform the 2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which may include new recommendations on alcohol consumption. Currently, guidelines suggest women limit themselves to one drink a day and men to two.
The alcohol industry has criticized the report, calling it biased and flawed. However, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy supports the findings, emphasizing the link between alcohol and cancer. The report identifies alcohol as the third leading preventable cause of cancer in the U.S., responsible for about 100,000 cancer cases annually. Dr. Murthy has called for updated warning labels on alcoholic beverages to reflect these risks.
The report will undergo a 30-day public comment period before submission to Congress. Its findings are expected to influence public health messaging and potentially lead to stricter guidelines on alcohol consumption.