Two alcoholic drinks a day may be much riskier than you think
- Moderate alcohol consumption is associated with a high risk of diseases
- Two drinks a day increase the risk of premature death
- Research questions the health benefits of alcohol
Risks of moderate alcohol consumption
A recent study published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs found that even moderate alcohol consumption can pose serious health risks. The study, led by Kevin Shield from the University of Toronto, showed that people who consume an average of 14 alcoholic drinks per week have a 1 in 25 chance of dying prematurely from alcohol-related causes. This study was initiated by the U.S. government to update national dietary guidelines.
The study covered over 7200 scientific publications related to alcohol-related diseases and injuries. Researchers used this data to assess the risks of various diseases and combined it with national medical data. Statistical models allowed the team to calculate how different levels of alcohol consumption affect the likelihood of developing serious diseases or dying prematurely.
The results of the study show that even small amounts of alcohol may be associated with health risks. Kevin Shield noted: "Even low levels of alcohol consumption carry health risks, and this risk continues to increase with higher consumption." This underscores the need to reconsider existing alcohol consumption guidelines.
The study and its findings
The study also challenges the common belief that small amounts of alcohol can improve health, particularly cardiovascular health. Shield stated: "We did not observe a significant protective effect of alcohol on health at any level of consumption." This means that the potential benefits associated with light alcohol consumption do not outweigh the risks associated with other diseases, such as cancer.
The study showed that even with the consumption of up to seven drinks a week, the risk of diseases remains high. Scientists emphasize that their estimates describe risks for populations, not for individuals. Individual circumstances, such as lifestyle and genetics, can significantly influence the outcomes.
Nevertheless, the study's results provide clearer benchmarks for understanding how alcohol consumption habits may affect health in the long term. Shield noted that "having a clearer threshold helps people better understand what level of alcohol consumption is associated with increased risk."
No benefits from alcohol
The study also raises questions about how scientific data has been considered in federal dietary guidelines. In an editorial, Robert M. Vincent, former deputy administrator, noted that the new guidelines do not contain quantitative frameworks, making it difficult to understand health risks.
The study highlights that the risks associated with alcohol become more pronounced when consumption exceeds one drink per day. This finding may help individuals make more informed decisions about their alcohol consumption and its impact on health.
Scientists continue to explore additional potential consequences of alcohol consumption, including its link to pancreatic cancer. Shield noted that "understanding these relationships and how much alcohol contributes to these risks is an area that requires further work."
The need for further research
Thus, the study's results emphasize the need to reconsider approaches to alcohol consumption and its impact on health. Moderate consumption, which was previously considered safe, may not be so, and this requires attention from the public and medical professionals.
In conclusion, the study shows that even moderate alcohol consumption can pose serious health risks. This finding may lead to a revision of alcohol consumption guidelines and an increase in awareness of its potential dangers.
In light of these results, it is important for people to be aware of the risks associated with alcohol and to make more informed decisions about their health. The study highlights the need for further research in this area to better understand the impact of alcohol on health.
Source: ScienceDaily
