POLICY NEWS ALERT
US Government Releases the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005 with Emphasis on Weight Control and Physical Activity
Presents Specific Tools for Health Education Experts and Consumers that Include the Option of Moderate Alcohol Consumption
JANUARY 12, 2005
The US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and Department of Agriculture (USDA) released the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005, which represent the federal government’s science-based advice to promote health and reduce risk of chronic diseases through nutrition and physical activity. Eating a healthy balance of nutritious foods continues as a central point in the Dietary Guidelines, but the sixth edition places much stronger emphasis on reducing calorie consumption and increasing physical activity. One of the key alcohol recommendations leads with the wording,
” Those who choose to drink alcoholic beverages should do so sensibly and in moderation…” explaining the limits and outlining when wine, beer and spirits should not be consumed. In keeping with the emphasis found throughout the report, the discussions on alcohol also elaborate on the calorie content. This joint project of the Departments of Health and Human Services and Agriculture is the latest of the five-year reviews required by federal law. It is the basis of federal food and nutrition education programs and supports the nutrition and physical fitness pillars of President Bush's Healthier US Initiative.
The Alcohol Message: New Directions for 2005
In a major departure from prior reports, DHHS and USDA developed the Dietary Guidelines for Americans Report for health education specialists such as doctors and nutritionists, as well as a consumer-oriented brochure, Finding Your Way to a Healthier You. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005 message with respect to alcoholic beverages continues to emphasize moderation for those who choose to drink –“defined as the consumption of up to one drink a day for women and up to two drinks a day for men.” Very importantly, the report also cautions about the medical and social risks of abuse and outlines situations and individuals who should abstain. At the same time, the report has a more expanded discussion on moderation and acknowledges in the lead that “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.” Throughout the technical chapter, the pros and cons of drinking are discussed with emphasis that anything above the moderate levels can increase the risk for “motor vehicle accidents, other injuries, high blood pressure, stroke, violence, some types of cancer and suicide.” It is further added, “Compared with women who do not drink, women who consume one drink per day appear to have a slightly higher risk of breast cancer.” Furthermore, the report explains, “Studies suggest adverse effects even at moderate alcohol consumption levels in specific situations and individuals.”
At the same time, the closing paragraph also acknowledges, “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.” Compared to prior guidelines, the report acknowledges potential risk reductions for all-cause mortality but cautions that for young people there may be more risks than benefits. In addition, the report explains the important option of abstinence and underscores that a number of dietary and lifestyle strategies reduce the risk of chronic diseases, emphasizing,” Furthermore, it is not recommended that anyone begin drinking or drink more frequently on the basis of health considerations.”
In contrast, the consumer brochure provides the same definition of moderation but does not acknowledge any potential lifestyle benefits and states in the lead, “If you choose to drink alcohol, do so in moderation”, and cautions that” Generally, anything more than moderate drinking can be harmful to your health.” The consumer message also emphasizes that “alcoholic beverages have calories but are low in nutritional value” and suggests to consumers to consult with their physicians or healthcare providers on any questions or concerns. The pictures surrounding both documents show a table with glasses and a bottle and plates, underscoring the adjunct to food and meals. However, in contrast to the prior guidelines, there is no verbal message of drinking wine, beer, and spirits preferably with meals.
The Key Authoritative Messages on Alcohol
Key Recommendations on Alcohol in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005:
The Dietary Guidelines report identifies 41 key recommendations, of which 23 are for the general public and 18 for special populations. These recommendations are grouped into nine general topics: Adequate Nutrients within Calorie Needs, Weight Management, Physical Activity, Food Groups to Encourage, Fats, Carbohydrates, Sodium and Potassium, Alcoholic Beverages and Food Safety. The following outlines the three key recommendations or authoritative statements for alcoholic beverages:
Ø 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.
Ø 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.
Ø Alcoholic beverages should be avoided by individuals engaging in activities that require attention, skill, or coordination, such as driving or operating machinery
http://www.health.gov/dietaryguidelines/dga2005/document/pdf/dga2005.pdf
It is explained in the executive summary of the report that these three statements “can be used for identification of authoritative statements” but that the additional points are only representing the emerging research.
Message in the Consumer Brochure, Finding Your Way to a Healthier You:
The above Dietary Guidelines provide health education experts with a compilation of the latest science-based recommendations. To highlight key points on how to apply the nutrition and lifestyle messages, a consumer-oriented brochure accompanies the 2005 Dietary Guidelines. The following represents the two paragraphs on alcohol in the consumer brochure:
If you choose to drink alcohol, do so in moderation. Moderate drinking means up to 1 drink a day for women and up to 2 drinks for men. Twelve ounces of regular beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1 1/2 ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits count as a drink for purposes of explaining moderation. Remember that alcoholic beverages have calories but are low in nutritional value.
Generally, anything more than moderate drinking can be harmful to your health. And some people, or people in certain situations, shouldn’t drink at all. If you have questions or concerns, talk to your doctor or healthcare provider.”
Review full text at www.healthierus.gov/dietaryguidelines
In addition to these two new policy documents USDA's upcoming Food Guidance System also will serve as a tool to educate consumers on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The Food Guidance System, currently called the Food Guide Pyramid, is undergoing revision and will be released in the spring of 2005 as a major consumer education tool.
Position by AIM –Alcohol in Moderation:
AIM participated in the 2005 Dietary Guidelines review process and made two scientific submissions along with many other organizations. We urged DHHS and USDA and the respective committees to review all the available scientific evidence with respect to both abusive and moderate drinking. We welcome the continued emphasis on moderation for those who drink as part of a healthy lifestyle. Furthermore, we favorably acknowledge that the US government messages expanded the scientific discussions on moderate drinking while cautioning about the risks of abuse. As in the past, AIM is committed to include the expanded messages as part of our website-based education initiatives that emphasize moderation as part of a well balanced diet and lifestyle. The Dietary Guidelines, encouraging weight control, balanced nutrition and moderate consumption of several foods and beverages as well as physical activity, represent an important education tool which AIM will bring to the attention of consumers around the world.
The 2005 Dietary Guidelines press statements are available at www.healthierus.gov/dietaryguidelines.
For more information, contact AIM Staff members:
Elisabeth Holmgren, Director of US Operations via em-h@pacbell.net, Helena Conibear, Editorial Director, Helena.Conibear@aim-digest.com or Sherry Webster, Communications Manager via Sherry.Webster@aim-digest.com
Education Message: This publication is for educational purposes only and should not be used for marketing or advertising. AIM and its Social, Scientific and Medical Council are dedicated to educating decision makers and the general public about the moderate and responsible consumption for those adults who choose to enjoy moderation as part of an overall balanced lifestyle. The reader is urged to obtain full references and to visit other governmental and non-governmental websites for more information on alcohol, health and society e.g., www.abmrj.org, www.niaaa.nih.gov or also visit the AIM website at www.aim-digest.com.
