Withdrawal of Federal Report on Alcohol Consumption

The Alcohol Intake and Health Study, a comprehensive research report, has challenged the long-held belief that moderate drinking may not be harmful and could potentially have health benefits. The study, which was initially intended to shape the new U.S. Dietary Guidelines' recommendations on alcohol consumption, has stirred controversy in the medical and alcohol industry communities.

One of the key findings of the study is that women are more susceptible to liver cancer at the level of one drink a day. This revelation has raised concerns about the health implications of moderate drinking, especially for women.

Interestingly, a majority of adults surveyed in a separate study expressed the belief that even one to two drinks a day could be harmful to health. This perception seems to align with the findings of the Alcohol Intake and Health Study.

However, not all medical organisations agree with the report's conclusions. The National Cancer Institute, among others, has disagreed with the report's assertion that moderate drinking could have health benefits. A competing report, written by a National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine panel, concluded that moderate drinking is healthier than not drinking at all.

The Alcohol Intake and Health Study, however, warns that even one drink a day raises the risk of liver cirrhosis, oral and esophageal cancer, and injuries. It also suggests that just occasional heavy drinking can nullify the protection against stroke.

The report's authors, including Katherine M. Keyes, a professor of epidemiology at Columbia University, plan to submit the analysis for publication in a peer-reviewed medical journal. The decision not to publish the report was first reported by Vox. The Department of Health and Human Services has remained tight-lipped about the matter, with no available information about the reason for pulling back the government report on the link between cancer and alcohol consumption.

The upcoming Dietary Guidelines may see a significant shift in the recommendations for alcohol consumption. The report suggests that the long-standing recommendation for women to have no more than one drink a day, and men no more than two, could be scrapped.

The report's findings come at a time when alcohol consumption in the United States is at an all-time low. According to a Gallup poll in August, only 54% of adults said they consumed alcohol, and sales of wine and spirits have dipped.

Despite the controversy surrounding the Alcohol Intake and Health Study, it is clear that the narrative around moderate drinking and its health effects is changing. As more research becomes available, it is essential to stay informed and make informed decisions about alcohol consumption.