Federal study on alcohol risks published independently after Trump administration exclusion

A federal study linking even moderate alcohol consumption to increased health risks has been published in an independent journal after the Trump administration excluded it from consideration for new U.S. drinking guidelines. The research found that Americans drinking one alcoholic beverage daily face at least a 1 in 1,000 lifetime risk of death from alcohol-related causes, including injuries and traffic accidents. This risk escalates to 1 in 100 for those consuming two drinks per day.

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The lifetime risk for Americans who drink one alcoholic beverage per day is at least 1 in 1,000, while for those who drink two drinks per day, the risk climbs to 1 in 100.

The study highlighted a particularly stark risk for American men, stating that drinking two alcoholic beverages daily, a level widely considered moderate, carries a 1 in 25 lifetime risk of death. The findings were commissioned by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to inform the "2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans."

However, the alcohol industry, which had lobbied against the study, argued its methodology was flawed and driven by scientists biased against alcohol. The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States stated a congressional investigation deemed the study "irreparably flawed" and unfit for guideline consideration. This investigation was led by Republican Congressman James Comer.

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For American men, the death risk for those who drink two alcoholic beverages per day is as high as 1 in 25.

Instead, the Trump administration referenced research from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, which suggested moderate drinking is associated with lower all-cause mortality. A panel of health officials had initially proposed limiting U.S. drinking recommendations to one drink per day for all genders. The final guidelines issued by the Trump administration encouraged reduced alcohol intake for health but offered no specific quantity recommendations.

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The study has irreparable flaws and should not be used as a reference for dietary guidelines.