A recent report released by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) on December 17, 2024, will play a crucial role in shaping the 2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

The comprehensive 230-page report examines the health impacts of moderate alcohol consumption over the past 5 to 15 years, covering various health outcomes such as cancer, cardiovascular health, and neurocognition.

These findings challenge the World Health Organization's position that no level of alcohol consumption is completely safe, particularly concerning cancer risks.

Despite the potential benefits of moderate drinking, officials like George Koob, head of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, assert that there are 'no health benefits to alcohol.'

The report comes at a time when public attitudes towards alcohol consumption are shifting, particularly among younger adults who are increasingly moving away from the notion that moderate drinking is beneficial.

The findings from this report will be considered alongside another upcoming report from a separate panel, further influencing the dietary guidelines.

The report also highlights a moderate association between moderate alcohol consumption and an increased risk of breast cancer, while the evidence regarding other cancers remains inconclusive.

Dr. Michael Pignone advises against starting to drink for health reasons, although there is insufficient evidence to recommend stopping alcohol consumption altogether.

Critics of the report have raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest among the committee members and their ties to the alcohol industry.

While moderate drinking may offer some health benefits, such as a lower risk of nonfatal heart attacks and strokes, the consensus remains that heavy drinking should be avoided.

Findings indicate that moderate drinkers have a 16% lower risk of all-cause mortality and a reduced risk of death from cardiovascular disease compared to non-drinkers, although these conclusions come with moderate certainty due to evidence limitations.

Experts emphasize that there is no 'safe' level of alcohol use, as health risks begin with the first drink consumed.