The science regarding alcohol is still on the rocks

Days ahead of Dry January, a new American Heart Association report has revived a very old, very thirsty debate: Is drinking alcohol in moderation actually good for you?

In a new scientific review aimed at cardiologists, the AHA concluded that consuming 1-2 alcoholic beverages per day:

• Poses no increased risk for coronary artery disease, stroke, sudden death, or possibly heart failure
• Potentially even reduces the risk of those conditions
• Is linked to lower overall mortality compared to not drinking at all

It’s a big shift from recent messaging

In 2023, the AHA stated there’s “no safe level” of alcohol, echoing similar guidance from the CDC and World Heart Federation. The AHA still maintains: “If you don’t drink, don’t start,” while many public health groups have emphasized that even small amounts of alcohol can increase the risk of several cancers.

• Experts critical of the AHA’s most recent review argue that it downplays or leaves out important studies that have found no heart benefits in people who naturally drink less.
• They also contend that the so-called “J-curve,” where light drinkers seem to live longer than those who abstain entirely, doesn’t account for biases like former drinkers who quit for health reasons (and now classify as abstainers).

Also worth mentioning: The vast majority of existing research on alcohol consumption is observational—meaning it can’t prove cause-and-effect—since assigning people to drink daily for science is a hard sell, ethically speaking.

Looking ahead…The US Dietary Guidelines, which include alcohol recommendations, are due for an update early next year. Industry groups are hoping for soft language regarding alcohol consumption, while most public health advocates are in favor of stronger warnings.