Recommendations for Daily Alcohol Consumption
The best recommendation is to limit alcohol consumption to no more than 1 drink per day for women and 2 drinks per day for men, with the understanding that not drinking alcohol at all is the safest option for cancer prevention. 1, 2
Definition of a Standard Drink
A standard drink contains approximately 14 grams of ethanol and is defined as:
- 12 ounces of beer
- 5 ounces of wine
- 1.5 ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits (hard liquor)
Health Risks and Benefits
Cancer Risk
- Alcohol is an established cause of at least 7 types of cancer, including mouth, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, liver, colorectal, and breast cancers 1
- Risk increases substantially with consumption of more than two drinks per day
- For breast cancer specifically, even low levels of consumption (a few drinks per week) may increase risk 1
- There is no safe threshold for alcohol consumption regarding cancer risk 1
Cardiovascular Effects
- Moderate alcohol consumption is associated with decreased risk of coronary heart disease 1, 2
- Benefits include increased HDL cholesterol and decreased platelet aggregation 1
- However, higher consumption (>3 drinks/day) increases risks of:
Special Populations and Circumstances
Individuals Who Should Avoid Alcohol Completely
- Pregnant women
- People with a history of alcohol abuse or dependence
- Individuals with certain medical conditions (liver disease, pancreatitis)
- Children and adolescents
- People taking medications that interact with alcohol 2
- Patients with hypertension 1
Older Adults
- Should follow more conservative limits due to:
- Slower metabolism of alcohol
- Potential medication interactions
- Increased sensitivity to alcohol's effects 1
Important Considerations
Binge Drinking
- Defined as consuming 5 or more drinks (men) or 4 or more drinks (women) within about 2 hours 1
- Associated with significantly increased health risks regardless of overall consumption patterns 4
- Should be avoided by everyone
Caloric Content
- Alcohol contains "empty calories" with minimal nutritional value
- Should be considered in overall dietary planning, especially for weight management 2
Non-drinkers
- People who don't currently drink alcohol should not start for potential health benefits 2
- Cardiovascular benefits can be achieved through other lifestyle modifications 2
Bottom Line
While moderate alcohol consumption may offer some cardiovascular benefits for certain individuals, the American Cancer Society's 2020 guidelines emphasize that "it is best not to drink alcohol" for cancer prevention 1. For those who choose to drink, staying within the recommended limits (≤1 drink/day for women, ≤2 drinks/day for men) and avoiding binge drinking patterns is essential to minimize health risks.
The safest approach from a cancer prevention perspective is to avoid alcohol altogether, while recognizing that limited consumption within guidelines may be acceptable for those without contraindications who understand and accept the associated risks.