In brief

• The study analysed the relationship between alcohol consumption and chronic diseases and premature mortality.
• People who drink an average of 14 drinks a week have a 1 in 25 chance of dying from alcohol-related causes.
• Drinking up to seven drinks a week was associated only with a small increase in the risk of most conditions.
• The study authors did not confirm any general health benefits from drinking alcohol.

No safe amount of alcohol

An international team of scientists analysed a large body of data on the link between alcohol and chronic diseases and premature mortality (Нет безопасного количества. Употребление двух порций алкоголя в день серьезно угрожает здоровью — исследование – NV). The findings indicate that even consumption considered moderate may increase the likelihood of cancers, heart problems, disability and premature death (Just two drinks a day may be far riskier than you think | ScienceDaily – sciencedaily.com).

Origins of the study

The study is called the Alcohol Intake and Health Study. It was commissioned by the government of the United States to prepare updated national dietary guidelines. The researchers analysed more than 7,200 scientific publications on injuries and conditions caused by alcohol, and then combined these data with large national health datasets (Even just two drinks a day can be far riskier for health than previously thought, study warns | The Independent – the-independent.com).

Analysis of alcohol consumption

The researchers found that people who drink an average of 14 drinks a week have a 1 in 25 chance of dying from alcohol-related causes. By comparison, drinking up to seven drinks a week was associated with only a small increase in the risk of most conditions. The researchers link alcohol to a range of problems, both immediate and long-term, including cancers of the oesophagus, mouth and breast. The risk was found to rise along with the amount of alcohol consumed.

Health benefits of alcohol

The authors did not find any significant general health benefits from drinking alcohol, and the risk increases as consumption rises.