Alcohol

Summary of Recommendations and Evidence


 
This Summary of Recommendations and Evidence (SRE) synthesizes the Key Practice Point(s) (KPP) for each Practice Question (PQ) in this Knowledge Pathway. It is organized by the Nutrition Care Process and contains statements or recommendations that have been graded using either the PEN or GRADE approaches to critical appraisal. For additional information on the evidence and references, see the PQs in this Knowledge Pathway.

As part of the PEN evidence synthesis process, the research in an area is reviewed, as well as various national recommendations. The most recent national recommendations do not typically supersede other evidence, as these recommendations are country-specific. PEN recommendations are based on evidence. Government agencies' recommendations are based on their assessment of the evidence in light of the populations served, risk and their ability to implement and monitor recommendations. These recommendations may not be based on a rigorously conducted systematic review. Country-specific recommendations, as well as PEN’s synthesis of the best evidence, are presented in the KPPs for the PEN user to use at their discretion.

Content
INTERVENTION

1.What health benefits are associated with alcohol consumption?
Moderate alcohol consumption (fewer than three drinks per day) is associated with a decrease in heart disease risk.
 

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Evidence Summary
Moderate alcohol consumption (fewer than three drinks per day) is associated with a decrease in heart disease risk.
 

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Moderate alcohol consumption is associated with a decrease in stroke risk.
Evidence Summary
Moderate alcohol consumption is associated with a decrease in stroke risk.


Moderate alcohol consumption may confer a protective effect against certain forms of cancer (renal cell, endomeroid epithelial ovarian cancers), reduce cardiovascular disease mortality and may reduce the risk of developing physical disability in older adults. 
 
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Evidence Summary
Moderate alcohol consumption may confer a protective effect against certain forms of cancer (renal cell, endomeroid epithelial ovarian cancers), reduce cardiovascular disease mortality and may reduce the risk of developing physical disability in older adults. 
 
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2.What are the risks of alcohol consumption?
The chronic consumption of alcohol, particularly in amounts exceeding one to two standard drinks per day, is associated with increased risk of numerous cancers including breast, esophageal, oropharyngeal, lung, gastric, laryngeal, hepatocellular, endometrial, pancreatic and colorectal.
 
Evidence Summary
The chronic consumption of alcohol, particularly in amounts exceeding one to two standard drinks per day, is associated with increased risk of numerous cancers including breast, esophageal, oropharyngeal, lung, gastric, laryngeal, hepatocellular, endometrial, pancreatic and colorectal.
 


The regular consumption of alcohol in excess of 30-40 grams/day is associated with increased risk of a number of chronic diseases, including pancreatitis, hypertension, mental illness, pneumonia, tuberculosis, and diseases of the liver.
 

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Evidence Summary
The regular consumption of alcohol in excess of 30-40 grams/day is associated with increased risk of a number of chronic diseases, including pancreatitis, hypertension, mental illness, pneumonia, tuberculosis, and diseases of the liver.
 

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Heavy drinking, particularly on an irregular basis, is associated with cardiovascular disease events including coronary heart disease, atrial fibrillation, and stroke.
 
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Evidence Summary
Heavy drinking, particularly on an irregular basis, is associated with cardiovascular disease events including coronary heart disease, atrial fibrillation, and stroke.
 
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Alcohol consumption is associated with increased risk of accidental injury including motor vehicle accident, falls, workplace injury and drowning.
Evidence Summary
Alcohol consumption is associated with increased risk of accidental injury including motor vehicle accident, falls, workplace injury and drowning.


Evidence from clinical trials identifies that moderate drinking can increase blood pressure in individuals with and without hypertension. Observational data also suggests that although low-moderate alcohol intake is associated with a reduced risk of CVD compared to not drinking or occasional drinking, high alcohol intake in individuals with hypertension is associated with increased mortality.
 
Individuals with hypertension should be advised to limit alcohol intake and follow Low Risk Drinking Guidelines.
Evidence Summary
Evidence from clinical trials identifies that moderate drinking can increase blood pressure in individuals with and without hypertension. Observational data also suggests that although low-moderate alcohol intake is associated with a reduced risk of CVD compared to not drinking or occasional drinking, high alcohol intake in individuals with hypertension is associated with increased mortality.
 
Individuals with hypertension should be advised to limit alcohol intake and follow Low Risk Drinking Guidelines.



3.Are there any foods or dietary supplements capable of preventing or treating a hangover?
Evidence Summary
Despite the numerous anecdotal cures for hangover there is limited research on any intervention. Of the research that has been conducted, the evidence for decreasing hangover symptoms of the following is poor: 
  • gamma-linolenic acid (Borago officinalis
  • prickly pear extract (Opuntia ficus-indica)
  • caffeine-containing products
  • a commercial remedy of dried yeast/B-vitamin  
  • a traditional ginger-based remedy.
These products cannot be recommended as effective treatments at this time.
 



Target Group: All Adults
Knowledge Pathways: Alcohol, Aboriginal/Indigenous Peoples - Food, Nutrition and Health
Last Updated: 2015-04-22