Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Knowledge Gateway
A reference point for public health policy makers with reliable, independent and up-to date information on topics related to promotion of health and well-being.
There is no safe level of alcohol consumption. Not to drink alcohol is the only way of avoiding its damaging effects. Based on current scientific evidence, no health professional or institution should recommend its consumption as a way of improving any aspect of health.
Moderate alcohol consumption [up to 20 g/day (2 units) for men and 10 g/day (1 unit) for women] is acceptable for those who drink alcoholic beverages, provided that triglycerid levels are not elevated.
It is recommended to limit alcohol intake. Intake should not exceed 10g per day for women and 20g per day for men. Alcohol consumption should not exceed 5 % of the energy intake in adults. Pregnant women, children and adolescents are recommended to abstain from alcohol. Lactating women are recommended to limit alcohol intake.
There is no level of regular drinking that can be considered as completely safe in relation to some cancers. People can reduce these risks by drinking less than the guidelines (no more than 14 units per week, evenly spread over 3 or more days and limiting the total amount on any occasion) or by not drinking at all.
If alcohol is consumed, in moderation and only by adults. Moderate (up to one drink -14 g pure alcohol- per day for women, up to two drinks per day per men) alcohol consumption can be a component of a healthy eating pattern. The Dietary Guidelines do not recommend that individuals begin drinking or drink more frequently on the basis of potential health benefits.
Low risk for developing alcohol use disorder (AUD): for women, no more than 3 drinks on any single day and no more than 7 drinks per week. For men, no more than 4 drinks on any single day and no more than 14 drinks per week.
