The latest US federal government dietary guidelines have been published and there are some surprising omissions. While the guidelines continue to emphasize the value of a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, they do not recommend that American men substantially reduce their alcohol consumption – contrary to the advice of government-commissioned external experts earlier this year.
The American Dietary Guidelines for Americans are updated every five years and are intended to reflect the current scientific consensus on nutrition. Although obviously only recommendations, they shape federal nutrition-focused policies and programs, such as school meals, and influence the food and restaurant industries in general.
As part of the updating process, the government convenes a group of external advisors to review the latest nutritional research and suggest any changes, if necessary. In July, their draft report was freed. Among other things, the group called for a clear change in the amount of alcohol that men should drink. They asked for guidelines to recommend men not to drink more than one alcoholic drink a day on the days they drink, compared to the previous cap of 2 drinks a day. Women, as before, would be advised to keep one drink a day as well. Now, this does not mean that it is good to drink a drink every day, but only that you should limit yourself to one on the days you drink (which we hope not every day).
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This change was meant to recognize growing research showing that even light alcohol consumption is not as safe as widely believed and to encourage Americans to reduce alcohol consumption if possible, the report’s authors said in a statement. that time. Alcohol contributes to fatal car accidents, increases the risk of cancer, liver and heart disease and can affect cognition.
Final version of the guidelines, freed On Tuesday, they include other changes suggested by the group, such as promoting the nutritional benefits of breastfeeding and recommending pregnant women to eat seafood rich in omega-3 fatty acids and low in mercury. They also contain language that states that “evidence supports limiting the consumption of added sugars and alcoholic beverages to promote health and prevent disease”. But, explicitly, I do not support the recommended changes to reduce alcohol consumption, as well as added sugars, arguing that “the evidence analyzed from the 2015-2020 edition does not confirm the quantitative changes at this time.”
The dietary guidelines are the result of a collaborative effort between the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of Human and Health Services. During the ongoing Trump administration, both federal agencies have been accused of eroding scientists and lawmakers. science-based policies as well as silencing and punishing officials who disagreed with the White House. At least some nutrition experts are not very happy with the language now detached from the dietary guidelines.
“Despite repeated claims that the guidelines are science-based, Trump agencies ignored the recommendation of the scientific committee they named and returned instead to the recommendation of previous guidelines,” said Marion Nestle, a nutrition scientist. and well-known author said New York Times.
Just because the new guidelines don’t tell us to limit our drink doesn’t mean we shouldn’t cut back a bit. After all, a large global study in 2018 concluded that it exists without a safe level of alcohol consumption. At least a quarter of American adults betrothed in excessive alcohol consumption last year, while 14 million Americans are believed to have alcohol use disorders. It is generally estimated that alcohol will kill about 95,000 Americans a year, making it the second deadliest drug behind tobacco.