A recent federal study has concluded that even low levels of alcohol consumption are associated with a higher risk of death, contradicting previous guidelines. The Interagency Coordinating Committee on the Prevention of Underage Drinking (ICCPUD) report found that moderate drinkers have a lower risk of death than nondrinkers, but those who consume more drinks daily face increased mortality risks.
According to the study, people who drink over seven drinks per week have a 1 in 1,000 chance of dying, while those who consume one drink per day have an increased risk of liver cirrhosis, esophageal cancer, and injuries. The report also states that women experience a greater risk of alcohol-attributable cancers per drink consumed.
Critics argue that the study’s methodology is flawed due to its lack of diversity among panel members. The ICCPUD report has been met with skepticism by industry groups, who claim it is “rife with bias and conflicts of interest.” However, others see the findings as a necessary warning about the dangers of drinking.
The upcoming revision of the US Dietary Guidelines may revise the recommendation that 1-2 drinks per day is safe for women. The World Health Organization’s 2022 declaration suggests that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption.
Source: https://www.sfchronicle.com/food/wine/article/alcohol-health-study-iccpud-20034594.php