Review of Evidence on Alcohol and Health

This Consensus Study Report presents findings from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine regarding the relationship between alcohol consumption and various health outcomes. The report was commissioned to inform the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and focuses on eight specific health outcomes, including obesity, cancer risk, cardiovascular disease, neurocognitive health, and all-cause mortality. The committee employed a systematic review methodology, with a particular emphasis on moderate alcohol consumption, defined as up to two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women. The report outlines the exclusion criteria for studies, including those published before 2010 and those with insufficient participant numbers. The conclusions drawn from the review indicate varying levels of certainty regarding the health effects of alcohol, with some outcomes showing moderate certainty while others are classified as low certainty. Notably, the report does not provide dietary recommendations or advice, focusing instead on documenting the evidence reviewed.