From the Guidelines
The recommended safe levels of alcohol intake for adults in Canada are no more than 10 drinks per week for women, with no more than 2 drinks per day most days and no more than 3 drinks on any single occasion, and no more than 15 drinks per week for men, with no more than 3 drinks per day most days and no more than 4 drinks on any single occasion. These guidelines are based on the most recent and highest quality study available, which is the Canadian Stroke Best Practice Recommendations: Secondary Prevention of Stroke, Sixth Edition Practice Guidelines, Update 2017 1. A standard drink is considered to be 13.6 g or 17.2 mL of ethanol, or approximately 44 mL of 80 proof (40%) spirits, 355 mL of 5% beer or 148 mL of 12% wine.
Some key points to consider when it comes to alcohol intake include:
- Certain groups should avoid alcohol entirely, including pregnant women, individuals with certain medical conditions, those taking medications that interact with alcohol, people with a history of alcohol use disorder, and those who plan to drive or operate machinery.
- Excessive alcohol intake increases the risk of ischemic stroke and intracranial hemorrhage, as well as other health problems such as liver disease, increased cancer risk, and cardiovascular problems.
- Even moderate drinking carries some health concerns, and no level of alcohol consumption is completely without risk.
- The body metabolizes alcohol primarily through the liver at a rate of about one standard drink per hour, and exceeding the recommended limits can lead to both short-term risks and long-term health issues.
It's also worth noting that other studies, such as the American Cancer Society Guidelines on Nutrition and Physical Activity for Cancer Prevention 1 and the Nutrition Recommendations and Interventions for Diabetes: A Position Statement of the American Diabetes Association 1, provide similar recommendations for alcohol intake. However, the Canadian Stroke Best Practice Recommendations: Secondary Prevention of Stroke, Sixth Edition Practice Guidelines, Update 2017 1 is the most recent and highest quality study available, and its recommendations should be prioritized.
In terms of minimizing health risks, it's generally recommended to have several alcohol-free days each week, even when staying within the recommended guidelines. Additionally, individuals with diabetes should be aware that moderate alcohol intake can have minimal acute effects on plasma glucose and serum insulin concentrations, but carbohydrate coingested with alcohol may raise blood glucose 1. Overall, it's essential to be aware of the potential risks and benefits associated with alcohol intake and to make informed decisions based on individual circumstances and health status.
From the Research
Alcohol Intake Guidelines in Canada
There are no research papers provided that directly address the recommended safe levels of alcohol intake for adults in Canada.
Available Information on Alcohol Use Disorder
- The provided studies focus on the treatment of alcohol use disorder, including the use of medications such as disulfiram and naltrexone 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- These studies discuss the safety and efficacy of these medications in patients with alcohol use disorder, including those with comorbid psychiatric disorders or liver disease 2, 4, 6.
- However, they do not provide information on recommended safe levels of alcohol intake for adults in Canada.
Treatment of Alcohol Use Disorder
- Disulfiram and naltrexone are approved medications for the treatment of alcohol use disorder, but their use in patients with liver disease or other comorbidities requires careful consideration 3, 4, 5.
- The studies provided suggest that these medications can be safe and effective in certain patient populations, but more research is needed to fully understand their benefits and risks 2, 4, 6.