A new study of alcohol use among Americans suggests that drinking amounts often considered moderate can carry serious health risks. These include early death, cancer, heart disease, liver disease, and injuries. Researchers reviewed more than 7,200 scientific publications and combined the evidence with national health data to estimate risks over a lifetime.
People who average 14 alcoholic drinks a week—equal to two a day—face an estimated 1 in 25 lifetime risk of dying from alcohol-related causes. Up to seven drinks weekly was associated with only small increases in risk for most conditions. Risks became more pronounced above one drink daily for both men and women.
The researchers found no significant overall health benefit at any drinking level. Although low consumption may be linked to lower risks of certain heart problems and strokes, cancer and other diseases outweigh those possible advantages. This was true even at seven drinks per week.
The estimates describe population-level risks rather than predicting an individual's future; lifestyle, inherited traits, and drinking patterns can affect personal risk. Current US dietary guidance recommends limiting alcohol without setting a specific amount. The federal government originally requested the study to help develop updated recommendations.
