Trump Administration's Dietary Guidelines Face Scrutiny Over Alcohol Consumption
The federal government is currently reviewing its dietary guidelines, with alcohol consumption under scrutiny. Some experts worry that the Trump administration may soften guidelines due to industry pressure and a controversial report. Meanwhile, researchers criticize the exclusion of certain studies showing alcohol's harms.
The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is updating the guidelines, which are revised every five years. The current advice is no more than two drinks per day for men and one for women. However, a study by Katherine Keyes and colleagues challenges this, finding that alcohol-related risks begin to increase even at relatively low levels of consumption.
The DHHS did not include Keyes' study in its final report. Instead, it may rely on a National Academies report that suggests moderate drinking can lower the risk of dying, including from cardiovascular disease. Critics, like Tim Stockwell from the Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, argue that relevant studies showing alcohol's harms were excluded. The alcohol industry also criticized Keyes' findings and called for her study to be disregarded.
Advocacy groups fear that the Trump administration may use the National Academies report to justify loosening alcohol consumption guidelines. They point to the risk of dying of an alcohol-related cause at two drinks a day, which is greater than 1 in 1,000. In contrast, the Canadian guidelines advise two drinks a week or less for low-risk drinking.
As the DHHS finalizes the updated dietary guidelines, the inclusion or exclusion of certain studies on alcohol consumption remains a contentious issue. The final advice could have significant public health implications, with some experts warning against any relaxation of current guidelines.
Read also:
- Comprehensive Overview of Addressing Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
- Enhanced Health Services Provisioned by San Diego Academic Health Partnership Continues During COVID-19 and Beyond
- Vaccination drive targeting infants under 6 months old against bronchiolitis in the region of Andalucia
- Biopsy Basics: Objectives, Varieties, and Potential Hazards - Healthline Illuminated
