From the Guidelines
Volatile alcohols for consumption primarily come from fermented and distilled beverages, with ethanol being the main source, found in beer, wine, spirits, and liqueurs, and it is essential to consume them in moderation to minimize the risk of morbidity, mortality, and impaired quality of life. The main sources of volatile alcohols for consumption are:
- Fermented beverages, such as beer, which typically contains 4-6% alcohol
- Distilled beverages, such as wine, which ranges from 11-14% alcohol, and spirits, which contain about 40% alcohol (80 proof)
- Other sources, including alcoholic seltzers, ciders, and mead
- Some foods, such as certain desserts, sauces, and extracts like vanilla, which contain small amounts of alcohol
- Kombucha and some non-alcoholic beers, which may contain trace amounts (usually less than 0.5%) of alcohol
It is crucial to note that only ethanol is safe for consumption, and other alcohols like methanol, isopropyl alcohol, and ethylene glycol are highly toxic and can cause blindness, organ damage, or death even in small amounts 1.
The recommended limits for alcohol consumption are no more than 1-2 standard drinks per day, depending on gender and health status, as excessive alcohol consumption can lead to various health problems, including liver disease, cardiovascular disease, and certain types of cancer 1.
In terms of the relationship between alcohol consumption and health outcomes, a meta-analysis of 84 prospective cohort studies found that the lowest risk of CAD mortality occurred with 1–2 drinks/d, but for stroke mortality, it occurred with ≤1 drink/d (∼15 g alcohol) 1. Another study found that decreasing alcohol intake was associated with a significant reduction in mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures 1.
However, it is essential to consider the potential risks associated with alcohol consumption, including the increased risk of breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and lung cancer, as well as the potential for alcohol to act as a pro-oxidant, which can contribute to the development of certain diseases 1.
Therefore, it is essential to consume alcohol in moderation and to be aware of the potential risks and benefits associated with alcohol consumption, in order to minimize the risk of morbidity, mortality, and impaired quality of life.
From the Research
Sources of Volatile Alcohol for Consumption
There are no direct sources of volatile alcohol for consumption mentioned in the provided studies. However, the studies discuss the effects of alcohol consumption on human health.
- The studies 2, 3, 4 focus on the risks associated with alcohol use and alcoholism, including increased risk of injuries, accidents, and chronic diseases.
- Another study 5 discusses the difficulty in determining a safe level of alcohol consumption due to the lack of gold-standard evidence.
- A study 6 mentions the use of an activated charcoal filter to eliminate volatile anesthetics, but this is not directly related to sources of volatile alcohol for consumption.
Related Information
- Alcohol consumption levels and patterns are associated with chronic diseases 3.
- Light and moderate alcohol consumption may be associated with reduced mortality risk, mainly due to reduced risks for cardiovascular disease and type-2 diabetes 3.
- Chronic heavy alcohol consumption and alcohol abuse lead to alcohol-use disorder, resulting in physical and mental diseases 3, 4.