These guidelines are published by the US Department of Health & Human Services and the US Department of Agriculture. The 2005 edition of the Guidelines was released at 11 AM, January 12, 2005. Read the entire 2005 Dietary Guidelines here.
"The consumption of alcohol can have beneficial or harmful effects depending on the amount consumed, age and other characteristics of the person consuming the alcohol, and specifics of the situation. In 2002, 55 percent of U.S. adults were current drinkers. Forty-five percent of U.S. adults do not drink any alcohol at all.15 Abstention is an important option. Fewer Americans consume alcohol today as compared to 50 to 100 years ago."
"The hazards of heavy alcohol consumption are well known and include increased risk of liver cirrhosis, hypertension, cancers of the upper gastrointestinal tract, injury, violence, and death. Moreover, certain individuals who are more susceptible to the harmful effects of alcohol should not drink at all. In addition, alcohol should be avoided by those participating in activities that require attention, skill, and/or coordination."
"Alcohol may have beneficial effects when consumed in moderation. The lowest all-cause mortality occurs at an intake of one to two drinks per day. The lowest coronary heart disease mortality also occurs at an intake of one to two drinks per day. Morbidity and mortality are highest among those drinking large amounts of alcohol."
15 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, Surveillance for Certain Health Behaviors Among Selected Local Areas-United States, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 2002, MMWR, 53, No SS-05. http://www.cdc.gov/brfss/.
Read on for Key Recommendations from the 2005 US Government Dietary Guidelines: Alcoholic Beverages.
