Americans may soon be encouraged to limit their alcohol intake to no more than two beers per week, as part of new and stricter alcohol guidelines. According to Dr. George Koob, the health czar appointed by President Biden, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) could revise its current alcohol advice to align with Canada’s recommendations of two drinks per week. Dr. Koob, who himself enjoys a couple of glasses of Chardonnay weekly, stated that he is closely observing Canada’s approach as a “big experiment.” He believes that if there are proven health benefits, it could prompt a reassessment of alcohol consumption in the US.
Currently, the US guidelines permit women to consume up to one bottle of beer, a small glass of wine, or a shot of liquor per day, while men can have two drinks. However, these guidelines are set to be reviewed in 2025. Dr. Koob, who leads the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, suggests that the US may lower its alcohol recommendations to align with those of Canada.
In the US, a standard drink is defined as containing 0.6 fluid ounces of alcohol, equivalent to one beer, a 12% alcohol glass of wine, or one shot of liquor. When asked about the potential direction of the forthcoming guidelines, Dr. Koob expressed confidence that they would not be increased. Instead, he anticipates a move towards Canada’s recommendations.
Although the new guidelines are currently being reviewed, it may take until the end of 2025 for the updated versions to be published. The discussion surrounding the potential benefits of moderate alcohol consumption has existed for decades. However, recent studies suggest that even small amounts can negatively impact health. In June, a significant study revealed that alcohol consumption increases the risk of experiencing 60 different diseases, including 33 previously unassociated with alcohol.
While liver cirrhosis, strokes, and cancer are well-known risks of excessive drinking, the study conducted by Oxford University highlighted additional conditions such as gout and cataracts. Dr. Koob stated that there are no physical health benefits to consuming alcohol and that any attributed advantages are likely due to factors such as diet and socioeconomic status.
Nonetheless, he acknowledged the social benefits of alcohol, referring to it as a “social lubricant.” Dr. Koob himself drinks around two glasses of white wine per week, favoring a “buttery Californian Chardonnay.” Interestingly, it was revealed earlier this year that college girls in the US are more likely to engage in binge drinking than boys for the first time in history.
Canada’s adoption of more stringent alcohol guidelines earlier this year was met with some shock. The review process for the Dietary Guidelines for Americans for the period from 2025 to 2030 has already commenced, with the final version expected later in 2025. Since the 1990s, the US has advised adult men to limit their alcohol intake to two drinks per day and women to one drink per day. Previous studies had suggested potential benefits to moderate alcohol consumption, such as the presence of resveratrol in red wine being linked to reduced cancer risk and improved heart health.
However, recent research has indicated that consuming any amount of alcohol is hazardous to health. A 2020 report from a federal committee of experts highlighted the increased risk of cancer associated with drinking and suggested reducing the limits to one beverage per day. The American Cancer Society likewise warned that alcohol contributes to as many as one in 20 cancer cases in the US annually.
More recent research involving 370,000 individuals revealed a 1.4-fold increase in the risk of heart disease with higher alcohol consumption. Prominent health organizations including the World Health Organization have utilized this growing body of evidence to caution against even moderate alcohol consumption.
The Canadian health authorities reviewed over 6,000 studies before deciding to revise their alcohol guidelines earlier this year to limit consumption to two drinks per week. Their previous recommendations suggested women could consume up to ten drinks per week, while men could have 15, similar to the US guidelines. However, critics argued that these guidelines overlooked the benefits of alcohol, such as its role in social settings and combating loneliness.
Dr. Dan Malleck, a health sciences expert at Brock University in Canada, emphasized that alcohol plays a significant positive role in many people’s lives, including celebrations, socializing, and relaxation. Some experts contend that studies focusing solely on the risks associated with alcohol fail to consider these social benefits.
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