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A new study suggests that drinking even one glass of wine per night may not be as harmless as many people believe. Researchers found that the safest amount of alcohol for health is actually none at all, and if adults choose to drink, the recommended limit is just one drink per day.
According to the research published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, alcohol consumption—even at what is considered “moderate” levels—is linked to higher risks of death and disease. The study used national health and population data to estimate lifetime risks for Americans based on their average weekly alcohol consumption. It found no protective health benefit from low levels of alcohol. Risks for conditions like cancer, cardiovascular disease, and injury increased with any amount above one drink per occasion, and the dangers grew quickly as intake rose. For example, men drinking more than fourteen drinks per week had a one in twenty-five risk (or four percent chance) of dying from alcohol-related causes. The study supports updating U.S. guidelines to recommend no more than one drink per day for both men and women.
A separate global analysis published in Nature Health also found that even low alcohol intake increases the risk of several cancers—including breast, colorectal, and liver—as well as other chronic diseases. While some previous studies suggested that moderate drinking might offer heart health benefits, the new research indicates these effects are small and may disappear when accounting for other factors. The risk of harm rises sharply with higher consumption levels.
The findings have sparked debate over current U.S. dietary guidelines. The study was commissioned by President Joe Biden’s administration but was not included in the official guidelines after facing criticism from the alcohol industry and a congressional committee during President Donald Trump’s administration. The latest U.S. dietary guidelines now advise adults to “drink less for better health,” but do not give a strict daily limit. Study authors are calling for clearer guidance to help Americans understand the risks associated with alcohol, noting that roughly half of Americans age twelve or older had a drink in the past month.
Researchers hope that the updated evidence will lead to stronger public health recommendations and help individuals, families, and communities make safer choices about drinking.