A new version of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans could be released as early as this month. According to an exclusive Reuters report, sources say the government may encourage Americans to either limit alcohol intake or drink in moderation in comparison to recommendations limiting drinks to a couple per day.
This announcement comes amid increasing confusion about what “moderate” drinking really means, especially when other countries offer drastically different recommendations.
Global guidelines vary widely
The European Commission’s Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Knowledge Gateway offers insight into low-risk drinking recommendations for those countries.
In Belgium, men are advised to have no more than 21 drinks per week, and women, 14. Germany encourages at least two alcohol-free days a week, with a limit of two drinks per day for men and one for women.
Ireland allows 17 standard drinks per week for men and 11 for women, while also recommending two dry days. Lithuania urges citizens to avoid drinking altogether.
Australia’s guidelines from 2020 suggest no more than 10 standard drinks a week for both men and women.
However, each country defines a “standard drink” differently, adding another layer of complexity.
In some Asian countries, such as Japan, guidelines are based on the amount of pure alcohol consumed. Japan identifies daily doses of 40 grams or more for men and 20 grams or more for women as risk thresholds for disease.
Health experts weigh in
“Every bit of alcohol you take does cause damage to you,” said Dr. Michael Caldwell, Professor of Public Health Practice at Meharry Medical College.
He argues that no level of alcohol consumption is safe. In a December 2024 interview with Straight Arrow News, Caldwell asked, “Would you want to take something that is a known carcinogen? Many of us are worried about the water we drink… Well, if you’re worried about your water and you’re drinking alcohol, water is not the problem.”
Former U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy echoed that sentiment in January, issuing a warning that alcohol consumption increases the risk of at least seven types of cancer. He also noted that alcohol use is the third leading cause of preventable cancer in the United States.
Murthy urged Congress to authorize an update to national health guidelines and highlighted the value of labeling.
“Health warning labels are well-established and effective approaches to increasing awareness of health hazards and fostering behavior change,” his office stated.
Cultural acceptance still a barrier
Still, many experts believe recommendations will never reach zero. Professor Robin Room told The Guardian in 2023 that alcohol holds a different cultural position than tobacco.
“Wherever you look, there are people who expect to have alcohol as part of their life,” Room said. “And that’s very different from what would be true for tobacco at this point.”
Ireland was the first country to require comprehensive health warning labels on alcoholic beverages, according to the World Cancer Research Fund.
What’s the truth?
Studies continue to present conflicting evidence. Some say red wine supports heart health, while others warn that even one drink can increase the risk of early death.
As science evolves and the U.S. prepares to release new guidelines, one thing is clear: there’s no universal answer when it comes to alcohol. It seems many experts suggest less alcohol as the best option.
contributed to this report.