Alcohol limits removed in dietary guidelines

In dietary guidelines released by the federal Department of Health and Human Services last week, for the first time since the inaugural year of the guidelines in 1980, there were no limits proposed for alcohol consumption. All the guidelines say is this: “Consume less alcohol for better overall health. People who should completely avoid alcohol include pregnant women, people who are recovering from alcohol use disorder or are unable to control the amount they drink, and people taking medications or with medical conditions that can interact with alcohol. For those with a family history of alcoholism, be mindful of alcohol consumption and associated addictive behaviors.” Next week, we will have an analysis and commentary on this change. The guidelines take effect for five years.