Study Finds Even Low Alcohol Intake Raises Risk of Death and Disease
Research published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs estimates that drinking as little as one drink per day increases the likelihood of premature death and chronic illnesses such as cancer and heart disease.
A new analysis of U.S. health data suggests that alcohol consumption at levels commonly considered moderate is linked to higher risks of mortality, disability and several chronic diseases. The study, led by researchers from Columbia University and the University of Toronto, applied risk estimates from more than 7,200 scientific articles to national health surveys and used statistical modeling to project lifetime health outcomes for different drinking patterns.
The authors report that an average intake of 14 drinks per week corresponds to a mortality risk of about one in 25, while consuming up to seven drinks weekly shows only a slight increase in risk for most conditions. They found no evidence of a protective health effect at any level of alcohol use. > "This study provides the most comprehensive U.S. estimates to date of lifetime risks of alcohol-attributable mortality and morbidity, showing that even moderate levels of consumption increase the risk of premature death and disability," said co-author Katherine M. Keyes, PhD. > "Even low levels of alcohol use come with health risks," added lead author Kevin Shield, PhD.
The analysis covered a range of alcohol-related outcomes, including cancers of the esophagus, oral cavity and breast, cardiovascular disease, liver disease and injuries. While low consumption was associated with a modest reduction in ischemic heart disease and stroke, the overall balance of risks—particularly from cancer and other chronic conditions—was negative even at seven drinks per week. The researchers note that individual risk can vary based on genetics, lifestyle and drinking patterns.
The findings challenge current U.S. Dietary Guidelines, which advise limiting alcohol without specifying a safe threshold. The authors argue that clearer quantitative guidance would help the public make more informed choices about drinking. The study was funded by Synergy Enterprises Inc. and the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
