Alcohol consumption recommendations

Alcohol Consumption Recommendations

Infographic showing cancers associated with alcohol consumption

Alcohol consumption recommendations refer to guidelines provided by health organizations and governments to inform the public about the safe levels of alcohol intake. These recommendations aim to minimize the health risks associated with alcohol consumption, including alcohol use disorder, liver disease, and certain types of cancer.

Guidelines by Region

United States

In the United States, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans suggest that adults of legal drinking age can choose not to drink or to drink in moderation by limiting intake to 2 drinks or less in a day for men and 1 drink or less in a day for women. These guidelines emphasize that drinking less is better for health than drinking more.

United Kingdom

The United Kingdom's Chief Medical Officers recommend that both men and women should not regularly drink more than 14 units of alcohol per week. It is advised to spread this amount over three or more days to reduce the risk of health issues.

Australia

In Australia, the National Health and Medical Research Council advises that to reduce the risk of harm from alcohol-related disease or injury, healthy men and women should drink no more than 10 standard drinks per week and no more than 4 standard drinks on any one day.

Health Risks of Alcohol Consumption

Cancer

Alcohol consumption is a known risk factor for several types of cancer, including breast cancer, liver cancer, and esophageal cancer. The risk increases with the amount of alcohol consumed.

Liver Disease

Chronic alcohol consumption can lead to liver disease, including alcoholic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. The liver is particularly vulnerable to the toxic effects of alcohol.

Cardiovascular Disease

While moderate alcohol consumption has been associated with some protective effects against coronary heart disease, excessive consumption increases the risk of hypertension, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases.

Special Populations

Pregnant Women

No alcohol during pregnancy

Pregnant women are advised to abstain from alcohol entirely to prevent fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). There is no known safe amount of alcohol that can be consumed during pregnancy.

Adolescents

Adolescents and young adults are advised to avoid alcohol consumption due to the potential impact on brain development and the increased risk of developing alcohol use disorders later in life.

Global Alcohol Consumption Trends

Share of adults who have not consumed alcohol in the last year

Alcohol consumption patterns vary widely across the world. Some regions have high rates of abstinence, while others have high levels of per capita alcohol consumption. Cultural, social, and economic factors all influence these patterns.

Related Pages

• Alcohol use disorder
• Liver disease
• Cancer prevention
• Public health

Gallery

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  Per capita alcohol consumption by country

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  Cancers associated with drinking alcohol

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  Share of adults who have not drank alcohol in the last year

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  Alcohol consumption per capita

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  Zero alcohol during pregnancy