Research
Mixed
Current alcohol use results in a net mortality burden, with deaths from other causes outweighing the averted deaths from ischemic heart disease, ischemic stroke, and diabetes.
Be aware that alcohol has a net negative impact on mortality. While it may offer some protection against heart disease and diabetes, the risks from cancer, liver disease, and injuries outweigh these benefits. Limiting or avoiding alcohol can improve overall health outcomes.
StrongQualifiesHIGH confidence
Although 26,000 (23,000–40,000) deaths from ischemic heart disease, ischemic stroke, and diabetes were averted by current alcohol use, they were outweighed by 90,000 (88,000–94,000) deaths from other cardiovascular diseases, cancers, liver cirrhosis, pancreatitis, alcohol use disorders, road traffic and other injuries, and violence.
Why this rating
Based on nationally representative surveys (NESARC), systematic reviews, and NCHS mortality data.
Source
The Preventable Causes of Death in the United States: Comparative Risk Assessment of Dietary, Lifestyle, and Metabolic Risk Factors
Goodarz Danaei et al. · PLoS Medicine · 2009
Meta-analysisCited 2,880×
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