A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that light to moderate drinking is associated with increased cancer- and disease-related mortality in older adults.
The study analysed health records of over 135,000 adults aged 60 and older in the UK and found that moderate drinking had no benefits but raised disease-related mortality risk.
The findings corroborate growing evidence showing the harmful effects of alcohol consumption, even for moderate drinkers. Public perception around alcohol is shifting, especially among young people, as more individuals choose to limit their consumption or avoid it altogether to preserve their health.
The study found that low-risk drinking was associated with a higher risk of cancer mortality, while moderate drinking increased the chances of death from cancer and other causes.
The researchers defined moderate drinking as 20-40 grams of alcohol per day for males and 10-20 grams for females.
David Cutler, a board-certified family medicine physician, stated that, “There is a pervasive myth that low or moderate alcohol consumption improves health outcomes, but the truth is that any alcohol consumption can have a negative health impact.”
The study’s findings highlight the importance of considering socioeconomic status when assessing alcohol-related disease risk. Participants with higher socioeconomic status who drank only with meals had no negative health outcomes.
A new Gallup poll shows that young people in the US increasingly view alcohol as unhealthy, with 65% of adults aged 18-34 saying alcohol negatively affects health.
The evidence suggests that alcohol, in any amount, can be harmful. The body metabolizes alcohol into toxic compounds like acetaldehyde, a known carcinogen, and formaldehyde, which can lead to DNA damage and organ damage.
Health experts advise caution when it comes to alcohol consumption, suggesting that having a drink only with meals may help lower associated mortality risks. However, it’s essential to remember that individual tolerance and health status can vary greatly, and moderation should be defined carefully.
