Distilled spirits, beer and wine industry professionals pay very close attention to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs) report that comes out every five-years. When it comes to alcohol the recommendations haven’t changed much since the original document created in 1980. That is until the latest, 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans report. The new report has been whittled down to a mere 10 pages in its entirety as compared to the previous report that was 164 pages. The section on alcohol that used to provide specifics on the number of drinks per day for men and women along with volumes has been reduced to a title and a couple bullet points.
Once the final 2025-2030 report was published, major associations related to alcohol industries came out and supported the new guidelines. You can read our full coverage on that here – Distilled Spirits, Beer & Wine Associations Support New Health and Human Services & USDA 2025-2030 ‘Dietary Guidelines for Americans’
The U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Agriculture (USDA) publish the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs) report every 5-years. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans form the basis for federal nutrition policy and provide advice on what to eat and drink to meet nutrient needs, promote health, and prevent disease.
Over the years, the recommendation for distilled spirits, beer and wine has grown right along with the entire report until now. With that in mind, we thought it would be useful to do a deep dive beginning with the 1980 report all the way through the 2025 report to see the differences.
This article will provide you with access to all the actual reports in one place, the page count for the entire report, and the actual text excerpts for sections that cover alcohol. Over the years, the overall report has grown from 11 pages in 1980, to 164 pages in 2020 and now its back down to only 10 pages.
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2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans
After much anticipation, the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans was released on January 7, 2026. This latest report was introduced by Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his key advisors. The entire report has been reduced to 10 pages.
This new report has really been simplified compared to previous years. The section on alcohol went from 2-3 pages down to to a title and two bullet points. The guidelines for the number of drinks per day and the amount of alcohol per drink for men and women has been removed. The full text is in the first gray box below. You can see our full coverage of the release along with video comments from Dr. Mehmet Oz here.
Limit Alcoholic Beverages
- 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.
That’s it, that is the entire thing. Read on to see what was in the original 1980 report and onward.
2020–2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans
Released on December 29, 2020 the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines featured recommendations developed and released by the U.S. Departments of Agriculture (USDA) and Health and Human Services (HHS). This years report is a total of 164 pages.
Alcoholic Beverages
[Page 49] The Dietary Guidelines does not recommend that individuals who do not drink alcohol start drinking for any reason. There are also some people who should not drink at all, such as if they are pregnant or might be pregnant under the legal age for drinking; if they have certain medical conditions or are taking certain medications that can interact with alcohol; and if they are recovering from an alcohol use disorder or if they are unable to control the amount they drink. If adults age 21 years and older choose to drink alcoholic beverages, drinking less is better for health than drinking more.
Evidence indicates that, among those who drink, higher average alcohol consumption is associated with an increased risk of death from all causes compared with lower average alcohol consumption. Alcohol misuse or consuming alcohol in excess of recommendations increases risk of several other conditions such as liver disease, cardiovascular disease, injuries, and alcohol use disorders.
For the purposes of evaluating amounts of alcohol that may be consumed, the Dietary Guidelines defines drink equivalents. One alcoholic drink equivalent is defined as containing 14 grams (0.6 fl oz) of pure alcohol.
The following count as one alcoholic drink equivalent:
12 fluid ounces of regular beer (5% alcohol), 5 fluid ounces of wine (12% alcohol), or 1.5 fluid ounces of 80 proof distilled spirits (40% alcohol). To help Americans move toward a healthy dietary pattern and minimize risks associated with drinking, adults of legal drinking age can choose not to drink or to drink in moderation by limiting intakes to 2 drinks or less in a day for men and 1 drink or less in a day for women, on days when alcohol is consumed. This is not intended as an average over several days, but rather the amount consumed on any single day. Binge drinking,3 defined as 5 or more drinks for the typical adult male or 4 or more drinks for the typical adult female in about 2 hours, should y be avoided. Emerging evidence suggests that even drinking within the recommended limits may increase the overall risk of death from various causes, such as from several types of cancer and some forms of cardiovascular disease. Alcohol has been found to increase risk for cancer, and for some types of cancer, the risk increases even at low levels of alcohol consumption (less than 1 drink in a day). Caution, therefore, is recommended.
Alcoholic beverages are not a component of the USDA Dietary Patterns. The amount of alcohol and calories in beverages varies and should be accounted for within the limits of healthy dietary patterns, so that calorie limits are not exceeded (see ‘Calories in Alcoholic Beverages’ below).
Approximately 60 percent of adults report alcoholic beverage consumption in the past month. Of those, approximately 30 percent binge drink, sometimes multiple times per month. During days when men and women consume alcohol, their consumption typically exceeds current guidance. Among adults, including those who do not drink, alcoholic beverages contribute approximately 5 percent of calorie intake (3 to 4% of calories for women and 5 to 7% for men); this translates into approximately 9 percent of calories among those who drink. As such, among those who drink, alcoholic beverages, alone, account for most of the calories that remain after meeting food group recommendations in nutrient-dense forms—leaving very few calories for added sugars or saturated fat.
Adults who choose to drink, and are not among the individuals listed above who should not drink, are encouraged to limit daily intakes to align with the Dietary Guidelines—and to consider calories from alcoholic beverages so as not to exceed daily calorie limits.
Calories in Alcoholic Beverages
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. Alcoholic beverages may contain calories from both alcohol and other ingredients, such as soda, juice, and added sugars. It is important to consider ingredients and portion size. The range of calories in cocktails varies widely depending on serving size and ingredients. Examples of calories contained in alcoholic beverages include:
- 12 fluid ounces of regular beer (5% alcohol): about 150 calories
- 1.5 fluid ounces of 80 proof distilled spirits (40% alcohol): about 100 calories
- 5 fluid ounces of wine (12% alcohol): about 120 calories
- 7 fluid ounces of a rum (40% alcohol) and cola: about 190 calories
More information on calories in alcoholic beverages is available at Alcohol Calorie Calculator.
Alcoholic Beverages
[Page 104] Alcoholic beverages are not a component of the USDA Dietary Patterns and their calories are considered discretionary. Regular consumption of alcoholic beverages can make it challenging for adults to meet food group and nutrient needs while not consuming excess calories. The ingredients in certain mixed drinks, including soda, mixers, and heavy cream, also can contribute to intake of added sugars and saturated fat.
The majority of U.S. adults consume alcoholic beverages. About 66 percent of adults ages 21 through 59 report alcoholic beverage consumption in the past month, and of those, approximately half report binge drinking, sometimes multiple times per month. Among adults who choose to drink, average intakes of calories from alcoholic beverages exceed the remaining calorie limit that is available after food group recommendations are met.
There are some adults who should not drink alcoholic beverages at all, such as if they are pregnant or might be pregnant; younger than age 21; or recovering from an alcohol use disorder or if they are unable to control the amount they drink. For those who choose to drink, intakes should be limited to 1 drink or less in a day for women and 2 drinks or less in a day for men, on days when alcohol is consumed.
2015 – 2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans
Released on January 7, 2016, the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans featured recommendations developed and released by the U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Agriculture (USDA). This years report is a total of 144 pages.
Alcohol
[Page 59] In 2011, approximately 56 percent of U.S. adults 21 years of age and older were current drinkers, meaning that they had consumed alcohol in the past month; and 44 percent were not current drinkers. Current drinkers include 19 percent of all adults who consistently limited intake to moderate drinking, and 37 percent of all adults who did not. Drinking in greater amounts than moderation was more common among men, younger adults, and non-Hispanic whites. Two in three adult drinkers do not limit alcohol intake to moderate amounts one or more times per month.
The Dietary Guidelines does not recommend that individuals begin drinking or drink more for any reason. The amount of alcohol and calories in beverages varies and should be accounted for within the limits of healthy eating patterns. Alcohol should be consumed only by adults of legal drinking age. There are many circumstances in which individuals should not drink, such as during pregnancy.
Chapter 1, Appendix 9 — Alcohol
[Page 101] If alcohol is consumed, it should be in moderation—up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men—and only by adults of legal drinking age. For those who choose to drink, moderate alcohol consumption can be incorporated into the calorie limits of most healthy eating patterns. The Dietary Guidelines does not recommend that individuals who do not drink alcohol start drinking for any reason; however, it does recommend that all foods and beverages consumed be accounted for within healthy eating patterns. Alcohol is not a component of the USDA Food Patterns. Thus, if alcohol is consumed, the calories from alcohol should be accounted for so that the limits on calories for other uses and total calories are not exceeded (see the Other Dietary Components section of Chapter 1. Key Elements of Healthy Eating Patterns for further discussion of limits on alcohol and calories for other uses within healthy eating patterns).
For the purposes of evaluating amounts of alcohol that may be consumed, the Dietary Guidelines includes drink-equivalents (Table A9-1 below). One alcoholic drink-equivalent is described as containing 14 g (0.6 fl oz) of pure alcohol. The following are reference beverages that are one alcoholic drink- equivalent: 12 fluid ounces of regular beer (5% alcohol), 5 fluid ounces of wine (12% alcohol), or 1.5 fluid ounces of 80 proof distilled spirits (40% alcohol).
Packaged (e.g., canned beer, bottled wine) and mixed beverages (e.g., margarita, rum and soda, mimosa, sangria) vary in alcohol content. For this reason it is important to determine how many alcoholic drink-equivalents are in the beverage and limit intake. Table A9-1 lists reference beverages that are one drink-equivalent and provides examples of alcoholic drink- equivalents in other alcoholic beverages.
When determining the number of drink- equivalents in an alcoholic beverage, the variability in alcohol content and portion size must be considered together. As an example, the amount of alcohol in a beer may be higher than 5 percent and, thus. 12 ounces would be greater than one drink-equivalent. In addition to the alcohol content, the portion size may be many times larger than the reference beverage. For example, portion sizes for beer may be higher than 12 ounces and. thus, even if the alcohol content is 5 percent, the beverage would be greater than one drink-equivalent (see Table A9-1 for additional examples). The same is true for wine and mixed drinks with distilled spirits.
Alcoholic Beverages & Calories
Alcoholic beverages may contain calories from both alcohol and other ingredients. If they are consumed, the contributions from calories from alcohol and other dietary components (e.g., added sugars, solid fats) from alcoholic beverages should be within the various limits of healthy eating patterns described in Chapter 1. One drink* equivalent contains 14 grams of pure alcohol, which contributes 98 calories to the beverage. The total calories in a beverage may be more than those from alcohol alone, depending on the type, brand, ingredients, and portion size. For example. 12 ounces of regular beer (5% alcohol) may have about 150 calories. 5 ounces of wine (12% alcohol) may have about 120 calories, and 7 ounces of a rum (40% alcohol) and cola may have about 155 calories, each with 98 calories coming from pure alcohol.01
Excessive Drinking
In comparison to moderate alcohol consumption, high-risk drinking is the consumption of 4 or more drinks on any day or 8 or more drinks per week for women and 5 or more drinks on any day or 15 or more drinks per week for men.
Table A9-1 — Alcoholic Drink-Equivalents[a] of Select Beverages
| Drink Description | Drink-Equivalents [b] |
|---|---|
| Beer, Beer Coolers, & Malt Beverages | |
12floz at 4.2% Alcohol [c] | 0.8 |
| 12 fl oz at 5% Alcohol (Reference Beverage) | 1 |
| 16 fl oz at 5% Alcohol | 1.3 |
| 12 fl oz at 7% Alcohol | 1.4 |
| 12 fl oz at 9% Alcohol | 1.8 |
| Wine | |
| 5 fl oz at 12% Alcohol (Reference Beverage) | 1 |
| 9 fl oz at 12% Alcohol | 1.8 |
| 5 fl oz at 15% Alcohol | 1.3 |
| 5 fl oz at 17% Alcohol | 1.4 |
| Distilled Spirits | |
| 1.5 fl oz 80 Proof Distilled Spirits (40% Alcohol) (Reference Beverage) | 1 |
| Mixed Drink With More Than 1.5 fl oz / 80 Proof Distilled Spirits (40% Alcohol) | >1 [d] |
[a] One alcoholic drink-equivalent is defined as containing 14 grams (0.6 fl oz) of pure alcohol. The following are reference beverages that are one alcoholic drink- equivalent: 12 fluid ounces of regular beer (S% alcohol}, 5 fluid ounces of wine (12% alcohol, or 1.5 fluid ounces of 80 proof distilled spirits (40% alcohol). Drink- equivalents are not intended to serve as a standard drink definition for regulatory purposes.
[b] To calculate drink-equivalents, multiply the volume in ounces by the alcohol content in percent and divide by 0.6 ounces of alcohol per drink-equivalent. For example: I6 fl oz beer at S% alcohol: (16 fl oz) (.0.05)/0/6 fl oz = 1.3 drink-equivalents.
[c] Light beer represents a substantial proportion at alcoholic beverages consumed in the United States. Light beer is approximately 4.2% alcohol or 0.8 alcoholic drink- equivalents in 12 fluid ounces.
[d] Depending on factors, such as the type of spirits and the recipe, one mixed drink can contain a variable number of drink-equivalents.
Binge drinking is the consumption within about 2 hours of 4 or more drinks for women and 5 or more drinks for men.
Excessive alcohol consumption—which includes binge drinking (4 or more drinks for women and 5 or more drinks for men within about 2 hours); heavy drinking (8 or more drinks a week for women and 15 or more drinks a week for men); and any drinking by pregnant women or those under 21 years of age—has no benefits. Excessive drinking is responsible for 88,000 deaths in the United States each year, including 1 in 10 deaths among working age adults (age 20-64 years). In 2006, the estimated economic cost to the United States of excessive drinking was $224 billion. Binge drinking accounts for over half of the deaths and three-fourths of the economic costs due to excessive drinking.
Excessive drinking increases the risk of many chronic diseases and violence and. over time, can impair short- and long-term cognitive function. Over 90 percent of U.S. adults who drink excessively report binge drinking, and about 90 percent of the alcohol consumed by youth under 21 years of age in the United States is in the form of binge drinks. Binge drinking is associated with a wide range of health and social problems, including sexually transmitted diseases, unintended pregnancy, accidental injuries, and violent crime.
Those Who Should Not Consume Alcohol
Many individuals should not consume alcohol, including individuals who are taking certain over-the-counter or prescription medications or who have certain medical conditions, those who are recovering from alcoholism or are unable to control the amount they drink, and anyone younger than age 21 years. Individuals should not drink if they are driving, planning to drive, or are participating in other activities requiring skill, coordination, and alertness.
Women who are or who may be pregnant should not drink. Drinking during pregnancy, especially in the first few months of pregnancy, may result in negative behavioral or neurological consequences in the offspring. No safe level of alcohol consumption during pregnancy has been established. Women who are breastfeeding should consult with their health care provider regarding alcohol consumption.
Alcohol & Caffeine
Mixing alcohol and caffeine is not generally recognized as safe by the FDA. People who mix alcohol and caffeine may drink more alcohol and become more intoxicated than they realize, increasing the risk of alcohol-related adverse events. Caffeine does not change blood alcohol content levels, and thus, does not reduce the risk of harms associated with drinking alcohol.
2010 – 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans
Released on January 31, 2011, the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans featured recommendations developed and released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Health and Human Services (HHS). This years report is 112 pages.
Alcohol
[Page 30] In the United States, approximately 50 percent of adults are current regular drinkers and 14 percent are current infrequent drinkers. An estimated 9 percent of men consume an average of more than two drinks per day, and 4 percent of women consume an average of more than one drink per day. Of those who drink, about 29 percent of U.S. adult drinkers report binge drinking within the past month, usually on multiple occasions. This results in about 1.5 billion episodes of binge drinking in the United States each year.
The consumption of alcohol can have beneficial or harmful effects, depending on the amount consumed, age, and other characteristics of the person consuming the alcohol. Alcohol consumption may have beneficial effects when consumed in moderation. Strong evidence from observational studies has shown that moderate alcohol consumption is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. Moderate alcohol consumption also is associated with reduced risk of all-cause mortality among middle-aged and older adults and may help to keep cognitive function intact with age. However, it is not recommended that anyone begin drinking or drink more frequently on the basis of potential health benefits because moderate alcohol intake also is associated with increased risk of breast cancer, violence, drowning, and injuries from falls and motor vehicle crashes.
Because of the substantial evidence clearly demonstrating the health benefits of breastfeeding, occasionally consuming an alcoholic drink does not warrant stopping breastfeeding. However, breastfeeding women should be very cautious about drinking alcohol, if they choose to drink at all. If the infant’s breastfeeding behavior is well established, consistent, and predictable (no earlier than at 3 months of age), a mother may consume a single alcoholic drink if she then waits at least 4 hours before breastfeeding. Alternatively, she may express breast milk before consuming the drink and feed the expressed milk to her infant later.
Excessive (i.e., heavy, high-risk, or binge) drinking has no benefits, and the hazards of heavy alcohol intake are well known. Excessive drinking increases the risk of cirrhosis of the liver, hypertension, stroke, type 2 diabetes, cancer of the upper gastrointestinal tract and colon, injury, and violence. Excessive drinking over time is associated with increased body weight and can impair short- and long-term cognitive function. For the growing percentage of the population with elevated blood pressure, reducing alcohol intake can effectively lower blood pressure, although this is most effective when paired with changes in diet and physical activity patterns. Excessive alcohol consumption is responsible for an average of 79,000 deaths in the United States each year. More than half of these deaths are due to binge drinking. Binge drinking also is associated with a wide range of other health and social problems, including sexually transmitted diseases, unintended pregnancy, and violent crime.
There are many circumstances in which people should not drink alcohol:
- Individuals who cannot restrict their drinking to moderate levels.
- Anyone younger than the legal drinking age. Besides being illegal, alcohol consumption increases the risk of drowning, car accidents, and traumatic injury, which are common causes of death in children and adolescents.
- Women who are pregnant or who may be pregnant. Drinking during pregnancy, especially in the first few months of pregnancy, may result in negative behavioral or neurological consequences in the offspring. No safe level of alcohol consumption during pregnancy has been established.
- Individuals taking prescription or over-the-counter medications that can interact with alcohol.
- Individuals with certain specific medical conditions (e.g., liver disease, hypertriglyceridemia, pancreatitis).
- Individuals who plan to drive, operate machinery, or take part in other activities that require attention, skill, or coordination or in situations where impaired judgment could cause injury or death (e.g., swimming).
Key Definitions for Alcohol
What Is moderate alcohol consumption? Moderate alcohol consumption is defined as up to 1 drink per day for women and up to 2 drinks per day for men.
What is heavy or high-risk drinking? Heavy or high-risk drinking is the consumption of more than 3 drinks on any day or more than 7 per week for women and more than 4 drinks on any day or more than 14 per week for men.
What is binge drinking? Binge drinking is the consumption within 2 hours of 4 or more drinks for women and 5 or more drinks for men.
2005 – 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans
Released on January 12, 2005, the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans featured recommendations developed and released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Health and Human Services (HHS). This years report is 84 pages.
Chapter 9: Alcoholic Beverages – Overview
[Page 43] The consumption of alcohol can have beneficial or harmful effects depending on the amount consumed, age and other characteristics of the person consuming the alcohol, and specifics of the situation. In 2002,55 percent of U.S. adults were current drinkers. Forty-five percent of U.S. adults do not drink any alcohol at all.”-‘ Abstention is an important option. Fewer Americans consume alcohol today as compared to 50 to 100 years ago.
The hazards of heavy alcohol consumption are well known and include increased risk of liver cirrhosis, hypertension. cancers of the upper gastrointestinal tract, injury, violence, and death. Moreover, certain individuals who are more susceptible to the harmful effects of alcohol should not drink at all. In addition, alcohol should be avoided by those participating in activities that require attention, skill, and/or coordination.
Alcohol may have beneficial effects when consumed in moderation. The lowest all-cause mortality occurs at an intake of one to two drinks per day. The lowest coronary heart disease mortality also occurs at an intake of one to two drinks per day. Morbidity and mortality are highest among those drinking large amounts of alcohol.
Discussion
Alcoholic beverages supply calories but few essential nutrients (see table 16). As a result, excessive alcohol consumption makes it difficult to ingest sufficient nutrients within an individual’s daily calorie allotment and to maintain a healthy weight. Although the consumption of one to two alcoholic beverages per day is not associated with macronutrient or micronutrient deficiencies or with overall dietary quality, heavy drinkers may be at risk of malnutrition if the calories derived from alcohol are substituted for those in nutritious foods.
The majority of American adults consume alcohol. Those who do so should drink alcoholic beverages in moderation. Moderation is defined as the consumption of up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men. Twelve fluid ounces of regular beer, 5 fluid ounces of wine, or 1.5 fluid ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits count as one drink for purposes of explaining moderation. This definition of moderation is not intended as an average over several days but rather as the amount consumed on any single day.
The effect of alcohol consumption varies depending on the amount consumed and an individual’s characteristics and circumstances. Alcoholic beverages are harmful when consumed in excess. Excess alcohol consumption alters judgment and can lead to dependency or addiction and other serious health problems such as cirrhosis of the liver, inflammation of the pancreas, and damage to the heart and brain. Even less than heavy consumption of alcohol is associated with significant risks. Consuming more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men increases the risk for motor vehicle accidents, other injuries, high blood pressure, stroke, violence, some types of cancer, and suicide. Compared with women who do not drink, women who consume one drink per day appear to have a slightly higher risk of breast cancer.
Key Recommendations
- Those who choose to drink alcoholic beverages should do so sensibly and in moderation—defined as the consumption of up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men.
- Alcoholic beverages should not be consumed by some individuals, including those who cannot restrict their alcohol intake, women of childbearing age who may become pregnant, pregnant and lactating women, children and adolescents, individuals taking medications that can interact with alcohol, and those with specific medical conditions.
- Alcoholic beverages should be avoided by individuals engaging in activities that require attention, skill, or coordination, such as driving or operating machinery.
Studies suggest adverse effects even at moderate alcohol consumption levels in specific situations and individuals. Individuals in some situations should avoid alcohol—those who plan to drive, operate machinery, or take part in other activities that require attention, skill, or coordination. Some people, including children and adolescents, women of childbearing age who may become pregnant, pregnant and lactating women, individuals who cannot restrict alcohol intake, individuals taking medications that can interact with alcohol and individuals with specific medical conditions should not drink at all. Even moderate drinking during pregnancy may have behavioral or developmental consequences for the baby. Heavy drinking during pregnancy can produce a range of behavioral and psychosocial problems, malformation, and mental retardation in the baby.
Moderate alcohol consumption may have beneficial health effects in some individuals. In middle-aged and older adults, a daily intake of one to two alcoholic beverages per day is associated with the lowest all-cause mortality. More specifically, compared to non-drinkers, adults who consume one to two alcoholic beverages a day appear to have a lower risk of coronary heart disease. In contrast, among younger adults alcohol consumption appears to provide little, if any, health benefit, and alcohol use among young adults is associated with a higher risk of traumatic injury and death. As noted previously, a number of strategies reduce the risk of chronic disease, including a healthful diet, physical activity, avoidance of smoking, and maintenance of a healthy weight. Furthermore, it is not recommended that anyone begin drinking or drink more frequently on the basis of health considerations.
Table 16. Calories in Selected Alcoholic Beverages
This table is a guide to estimate the caloric intake from varius alcoholic beverage. An example serving volume and the alone in that drink are shown for beer, wine, and distilled spirits Higher alcohol content (higher percent alcohol or higher proof) and mixing alcohol with other beverage, such as calorically sweetened soft drinks, tonic water, fruit juice, or cream, increase the amount of calories in the beverage. Alcoholic beverage supply calories but provide few essential nutrients.
| Beverage | Approximate Calories Per 1 Fluid Oz[a] | Example Serving Volume | Approximate Total Calories[b] |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beer (regular) | 12 | 12 oz | 144 |
| Beer (light) | 9 | 12 oz | 108 |
| White wine | 20 | 5 oz | 100 |
| Red wine | 21 | 5 oz | 105 |
| Sweet dessert wine | 47 | 3 oz | 141 |
| 80 proof distilled spirits (gin, rum, vodka, whiskey) | 64 | 1.5 oz | 96 |
[a] Source: Agrculteral Research Service (ARS) Nutrient Database for Standard Reference (SR), Release 17. (http//www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/index.html) Calories are calculated to Ihe nearest whole number per 1 fluid oz.
[b] The total calories and alcohol content vary depending on the brand. Moreover, adding mixers to an alcoholic beverage can contribute calories from the alcohol itself.
2000 – 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans
Released on May 27, 2000, the 2000 Dietary Guidelines for Americans featured recommendations developed and released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Health and Human Services (HHS). This years report is 44 pages.
If You Drink Alcoholic Beverages, Do So in Moderation
[Page 38] Alcoholic beverages supply calories but few nutrients. Alcoholic beverages are harmful when consumed in excess, and some people should not drink at all. Excess alcohol alters judgment and can lead to dependency and a great many other serious health problems. Taking more than one drink per day for women or two drinks per day for men (see box 26) can raise the risk for motor vehicle crashes, other injuries, high blood pressure, stroke, violence, suicide, and certain types of cancer. Even one drink per day can slightly raise the risk of breast cancer. Alcohol consumption during pregnancy increases risk of birth defects. Too much alcohol may cause social and psychological problems, cirrhosis of the liver, inflammation of the pancreas, and damage to the brain and heart. Heavy drinkers also are at risk of malnutrition because alcohol contains calories that may substitute for those in nutritious foods. If adults choose to drink alcoholic beverages, they should consume them only in moderation (see box 26) — and with meals to slow’ alcohol absorption.
Box 26 – What is Drinking in Moderation?
Moderation is defined as no more than one drink per day for women and no more than two drinks per day for men. This limit is based on differences between the sexes in both weight and metabolism.
Count as a drink —
- 12 ounces of regular beer (150 calories)
- 5 ounces of wine (100 calories)
- 1.5 ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits (100 calories)
NOTE: Even moderate drinking provides extra calories.
Drinking in moderation may lower risk for coronary heart disease, mainly among men over age 45 and women over age 55. However, there are other factors that reduce the risk of heart disease, including a healthy diet, physical activity, avoidance of smoking, and maintenance of a healthy weight.
Moderate consumption provides little, if any, health benefit for younger people. Risk of alcohol abuse increases when drinking starts at an early age. Some studies suggest that older people may become more sensitive to the effects of alcohol as they age.
Who should not drink?
Some people should not drink alcoholic beverages at all. These include:
- Children and adolescents.
- Individuals of any age who cannot restrict their drinking to moderate levels. This is a special concern for recovering alcoholics, problem drinkers, and people whose family members have alcohol problems.
- Women who may become pregnant or who are pregnant. A safe level of alcohol intake has not been established for women at any time during pregnancy, including the first few weeks. Major birth defects, including fetal alcohol syndrome, can be caused by heavy drinking by the pregnant mother. Other fetal alcohol effects may occur at lower levels.
- Individuals who plan to drive, operate machinery, or take part in other activities that require attention, skill, or coordination. Most people retain some alcohol in the blood up to 2 to 3 hours after a single drink.
- Individuals taking prescription or over-the-counter medications that can interact with alcohol. Alcohol alters the effectiveness or toxicity of many medications, and some medications may increase blood alcohol levels. If you take medications, ask your health care provider for advice about alcohol intake, especially if you are an older adult.
Advice for Today
- If you choose to drink alcoholic beverages, do so sensibly, and in moderation.
- Limit intake to one drink per day for women or two per day for men, and take with meals to slow alcohol absorption.
- Avoid drinking before or when driving, or whenever it puts you or others at risk.
1995 – 2000 Dietary Guidelines for Americans
Released in December 1995, the 1995 Dietary Guidelines for Americans featured recommendations developed and released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Health and Human Services (HHS). Unlike previous editions, the 1995 edition of the Dietary Guidelines was the first mandated by statute under Public Law 101-445, Section 3 (7 U.S.C. 5341, the National Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research Act of 1990, Title III), which officially directs the Secretaries of USDA and HHS to issue jointly at least every five years a report entitled Dietary Guidelines for Americans. It remained the Federal guidance until the 2000 Dietary Guidelines was released. This years report is 47 pages.
If You Drink Alcoholic Beverages, Do So in Moderation
[Page 25] Alcoholic leverages supply calories but few or no nutrients. The alcohol in these beverages has effects that are harmful when consumed in excess. These effects of alcohol may alter judgment and can lead to dependency and a great many other serious health problems. Alcoholic beverages have been used to enhance the enjoyment of meals by many societies throughout human history. If adults choose to drink alcoholic beverages, they should consume them only in moderation (box 16).
Current evidence suggests that moderate drinking Is associated with a lower risk for coronary heart disease in some individuals. However, higher levels of alcohol intake raise the risk for high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease, certain cancers, accidents, violence, suicides, birth defects, and overall mortality (deaths). Too much alcohol may cause cirrhosis of the liver, inflammation of the pancreas, and damage to the brain and heart. Heavy drinkers also are at risk of malnutrition because alcohol contains calories that may substitute for those in more nutritious foods.
BOX 16 – What is Moderation?
Moderation is defined as no more than one drink per day for women and no more than two drinks per day for men.
Count as a drink —
- 12 ounces of regular beer (150 calories)
- 5 ounces of wine (100 calories)
- 1.5 ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits (100 calories)
Who Should Not Drink?
Some people should not drink alcoholic beverages at all. These include:
- Children and adolescents.
- Individuals of any age who cannot restrict their drinking to moderate levels. This Is a special concern for recovering alcoholics and people whose family members have alcohol problems.
- Women who are trying to conceive or who are pregnant. Major birth defects, including fetal alcohol syndrome, have been attributed to heavy drinking by the mother while pregnant. While there is no conclusive evidence that an occasional drink is harmful to the fetus or to the pregnant woman, a safe level of alcohol intake during pregnancy has not been established.
- Individuals who plan to drive or take part in activities that require attention or skill. Most people retain some alcohol in the blood up to 2-3 hours after a single drink.
- Individuals using prescription and over-the-counter medications. Alcohol may alter the effectiveness or toxicity of medicines. Also, some medications may increase blood alcohol levels or increase the adverse effect of alcohol on the brain.
Advice for Today
If you drink alcoholic beverages, do so in moderation, with meals, and when consumption does not put you or others at risk.
1990 – 1995 Dietary Guidelines for Americans
Released in November 1990, the 1990 Dietary Guidelines for Americans featured recommendations developed and released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Health and Human Services (HHS). This years report is 28 pages.
If You Drink Alcoholic Beverages, Do So in Moderation
[Page 25] Alcoholic beverages supply calories but little or no nutrients. Drinking them has no net health benefit, is linked with many health problems, is the cause of many accidents, and can lead to addiction Their consumption is not recommended. if adults elect to drink alcohokc beverages, they should consume them in moderate amounts (see box on page 26).
Some people should not drink alcoholic beverages:
- Women who are pregnant or trying to conceive. Major birth defects have been attributed to heavy drinking by the mother while pregnant. Women who are pregnant or trying to conceive should not drink alcoholic beverages. However, there is no conclusive evidence that an occasional drink is harmful.
- Individuals who plan to drive or engage In other activities that require attention or skill. Most people retain some alcohol in the blood 3 to 5 hours after even moderate drinking.
- Individuals using medicines, even over-the- counter kinds. Alcohol may affect the benefits or toxicity of medicines. Also, some medicines may increase blood alcohol levels or increase alcohol’s adverse effect on the brain.
- Individuals who cannot keep their drinking moderate. This is a special concern for recovering alcoholics and people whose family members have alcohol problems.
- Children and adolescents. Use of alcoholic beverages by children and adolescents involves risks to health and other serious problems.
Heavy drinkers are often malnourished because of low food intake and poor absorption of nutrients by the body. Too much alcohol may cause cirrhosis of the liver, inflammation of the pancreas, damage to the brain and heart, and increased risk for many cancers.
Some studies have suggested that moderate drinking is linked to lower risk for heart attacks However, drinking is also linked to higher risk for high blood pressure and hemorrhagic stroke.
Advice for Today
If you drink alcoholic beverages, do so in moderation; and don’t drive.
What is Moderate Drinking?
Women: No more than 1 drink a day
Men: No more than 2 drinks a day
Count as a drink:
- 12 ounces of regular beer
- 5 ounces of wine
- 1 1/2 ounces of distilled spirits (80 proof)
1985 – 1990 Dietary Guidelines for Americans
Released in August 1985, the 1985 Dietary Guidelines for Americans featured recommendations developed and released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Health and Human Services (HHS). This years report is 24 pages.
If You Drink Alcoholic Beverages, Do So in Moderation
[Page 23] Alcoholic beverages are high in calories and low in nutrients. Thus, even moderate drinkers will need to drink less If they are overweight and wish to reduce.
Heavy drinkers frequently develop nutritional deficiencies as well as more serious diseases, such as cirrhosis of the liver and certain types of cancer, especially those who also smoke cigarettes. This is partly because of loss of appetite, poor food intake, and impaired absorption of nutrients.
Excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages by pregnant women may cause birth defects or other problems during pregnancy. The level of consumption at which risks to the unborn occur has not been established Therefore, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism advises that pregnant women should refrain from the use of alcohol.
One or two standard-size drinks daily appear to cause no harm in normal, healthy, nonpregnant adults. Twelve ounces of regular beer, 5 ounces of wine, and 1 1/2 ounces of distilled spirits contain about equal alcohol.
If you drink, be moderate in your Intake and DO NOT DRIVE!
1980 – 1985 Dietary Guidelines for Americans
Released in February 1980, the 1980 Dietary Guidelines for Americans featured recommendations developed and released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Health and Human Services (HHS). In 1978, the USDA and HHS (named the Department of Health, Education and Welfare at the time) Joint Coordinating Committee voluntarily appointed a task force of scientists within the two Departments to develop nutritional guidance statements to advise the public on the current knowledge about the relationship of diet to health and disease.
After the review of information from the Surgeon General’s Report on Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, the American Society for Clinical Nutrition, and other scientific bodies, the task force issued its conclusions in the form of Dietary Guidelines statements based on current scientific views on nutrition and its effect on health. This original report is 24 pages.
If You Drink Alcohol, Do So in Moderation
[Page 19] Alcoholic beverages tend to be high in calories and low in other nutrients. Even moderate drinkers may need to drink less if they wish to achieve ideal weight.
On the other hand, heavy drinkers may lose their appetites for foods containing essential nutrients. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies occur commonly in heavy drinkers — in part, because of poor intake, but also because alcohol alters the absorption and use of some essential nutrients.
Sustained or excessive alcohol consumption by pregnant women has caused birth defects. Pregnant women should limit alcohol Intake to 2 ounces or less on any single day.
Heavy drinking may also cause a variety of serious conditions, such as cirrhosis of the liver and some neurological disorders. Cancer of the throat and neck is much more common in people who drink and smoke than in people who don’t.
One or two drinks daily appear to cause no harm in adults. If you drink you should do so in moderation.
- Remember, if you drink alcohol, do so in moderation.
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