Men can still enjoy two drinks per day without running afoul of the government’s nutritional guidelines.
After being presented with research from the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC) in July that suggested the daily alcohol allowance for men be cut in half, the U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Health and Human Services opted not to change the recommendation put forth in its 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA), which was released today. The DGA’s allowance of one drink per day for women did not change.
Released every five years and developed through recommendations from a panel of 20 health and nutrition experts, the DGA is the basis for federal food, nutrition and health policies as well as public education materials. In its new version, it cautions Americans against drinking too much.
“Drinking less is better for health than drinking more,” the DGA said.
Beer industry trade groups praised the decision not to slash men’s daily consumption limit.
In a statement, the National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) wrote that maintaining the current limit was “supported by sound science from well-established researchers.”
“Both agencies [USDA and HHS] have conducted a serious examination of the federal government’s future recommendations and determined that the long-standing guidance for moderate alcohol consumption for men continues to be up to two drinks per day and up to one drink per day for women, as it has been for more than 30 years,” the NBWA wrote.
In August, Beer Institute (BI) president and CEO Jim McGreevy spoke against cutting the daily allowance for men during a public hearing about the guidelines. He thanked members in an e-mail today who advocated for no change.
“We joined a chorus of voices, including members of Congress from both sides of the aisle, as well as researchers and scientists, urging the Administration to maintain this definition,” McGreevy wrote.
About two-thirds of American adults aged 21-59 drink alcohol, according to the DGA. Half of those binge drink several times each month, which is defined as five or more drinks on one occasion for men and four or more for women.
For adults who drink, alcohol contributes about 9% of their daily calories on average. In a 2,000 calorie diet, this translates to 180 calories — slightly more than the DGA’s estimated 150 calories in a 12 oz. beer at 5% ABV, but less than the calorie counts of stronger styles.
“Alcoholic beverages supply calories but few nutrients, and calories from alcoholic beverages should be accounted for to keep total calorie intake at an appropriate level,” the DGA said.
The DGA recommends that 85% of people’s daily calories come from “nutrient-dense choices” — vegetables, fruits, grains, dairy and protein — while the remaining 15% come from sources that should be limited, such as added sugars, including alcohol, and saturated fat.
The American Institute for Cancer Research said in a press release today that it is “disappointed that the USDA and HHS has bowed to industry pressure” and rejected the committee’s suggestions for alcohol intake.
Erin Cabrey contributed to this report.