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Alcohol and health: NASEM report provides clarity

New perspectives on alcohol consumption and its effects on human health. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) report sheds light on the risks and benefits of moderate consumption.

The debate in the United States over the link between alcohol consumption and health is being enriched by the report “Review of Evidence on Alcohol and Health” NASEM. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM), one of the most influential scientific bodies in the United States, presents a comprehensive review of scientific evidence on the effects of alcohol consumption on health. This study, among the most important in the international scientific landscape, provides a thorough review of the available evidence on the effects of alcohol consumption and clearly distinguishes between moderate consumption and abuse. The report highlights how moderate alcohol consumption may be associated with cardiovascular benefits and reduced risk of overall mortality. However, it also confirms an increased risk of breast cancer and emphasizes the need for further research to investigate the link to other cancer diseases.

What is the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM)

NASEM, established in 1863 by an act of Congress signed by President Abraham Lincoln, is the scientific reference point for the U.S. government. Its three component academies – National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering and National Academy of Medicine – collaborate to provide independent scientific analysis and guide public policy on complex health, technology and engineering issues. The report was developed following rigorous scientific methodology: the conclusions are the result of an expert consensus process, peer-reviewed by ten independent scientists, and will form the basis of future Dietary Guidelines for Americans on nutrition. The analysis delves into the effects of alcohol consumption on various aspects of public health, taking a differentiated approach between moderate and excessive consumption. The full report is available at the following link: https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/28582/review-of-evidence-on-alcohol-and-health

The main findings of the NASEM report

  • Reduction in overall mortality risk: according to the report, moderate alcohol consumption (≤14 g/day for women, ≤30 g/day for men) is associated with a 16% reduction in overall mortality risk compared with nonconsumers. In women, this reduction reaches 23%, mainly due to cardiovascular benefits.
  • Cardiovascular benefits: moderate consumption appears to be protective against cardiovascular disease, with a significant reduction in myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke. The protective effect appears to be related to increased HDL cholesterol (“good” cholesterol) and improved endothelial function.
  • Cancer risk: The report confirms an association between moderate alcohol consumption and increased risk of breast cancer, with no identified safe threshold. For other cancers, such as colorectal, the evidence is less robust and requires further investigation. The main cancer risks appear to be related to excessive and prolonged alcohol consumption.
  • Lack of evidence on dementia: There is no emerging scientific evidence of a correlation between moderate alcohol consumption and risk of dementia. However, the report highlights the need for further studies to clarify any relationship with cognitive decline.
  • Distinction between moderate consumption and abuse: the report stresses the importance of distinguishing between moderate and excessive consumption. Major health risks, including the seven types of cancer associated with alcohol, are closely linked to abuse, not moderate consumption.

A more nuanced perspective of the relationship between alcohol and health

This review introduces a more nuanced perspective than the more alarmist positions taken by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Surgeon General, highlighting more clearly the distinction between moderate consumption and alcohol abuse. The NASEM report also reiterates the importance of conducting further studies to investigate the link between moderate alcohol consumption and the risk of specific diseases in order to fill current knowledge gaps. Emerging evidence may help shape more detailed and targeted recommendations in future Dietary Guidelines for Americans, supporting the development of public health policies based on up-to-date and rigorous scientific data.

Commentary by Professor Giacosa, president of theInstitute for Research on Wine, Food and Health

Commenting on the report, Prof. Attilio Giacosa, president of IRVAS ( Institute for Research on Wine, Food and Health), said, ” The National Academies of Sciences report proposes a more balanced scientific analysis of alcohol consumption, clearly distinguishing between moderate consumption and abuse. The main health risks, in fact, emerge in relation to excessive and prolonged consumption.

At the same time, the report highlights the need to further investigate the potential risks associated with moderate consumption, particularly for certain cancer diseases. This approach departs from the more cautionary position of the US Surgeon General, which extends risk to any level of consumption without distinction.

Instead, it is essential to differentiate between moderate consumption and abuse in order to address the issue in a rigorous and evidence-based manner. Public health policies must reflect this complexity, promoting clear and comprehensive information that enables citizens to make informed and responsible choices.

While scientific research must continue to investigate the possible risks associated with moderate alcohol consumption, it is essential to avoid demonizing behaviors that, if included in a healthy and balanced lifestyle, may not result in negative effects. Balance and responsibility are needed, both in communication and in public health policymaking “.

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IRVAS – Institute for Research on Wine, Food and Health

The Institute for Research on Wine, Food and Health (IRVAS) was established to promote and facilitate the dissemination of knowledge and information of issues concerning the Mediterranean diet and the moderate and conscious consumption of wine. In particular, in relation to proper nutrition, health and well-being of the population, safeguarding and enhancing the culture of the area.
The goals of the institute are to research, explore, discuss and involve academics, institutions, industry and health professionals to transparently educate consumers and make culture about wine, food and health. The institute has the legal form of a nonprofit association.

For information: https://www.irvas.it/

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