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Question: What is this latest buzz that the safe alcohol drinking is limited to two drinks a week?
Answer: Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction just released this month a controversial 84-page Canada’s Guidance on Alcohol and Health: Final Report (ccsa.ca). The main overall emphasis of the Report seems to be placed on encouraging consumers to drink less for their “physical health”. Reference is made to mortality risk thresholds which “in Canada, the limit associated with a 1 in 1000 chance of premature death related to alcohol condition is two standard drinks per week, while the 1 in 100 risk limit is six standard drinks per week.” It also states a second reason for this recommendation is “consuming more than two standard drinks per drinking occasion is associated with an increased risk of harms to self and others, including injuries and violence.” No details about the so-called health benefits of consuming wine with food in moderation. They do say “in contrast to common perceptions, current evidence shows that drinking a little alcohol neither decreases nor increases the risk of ischemic heart disease.” But the project confirms “less consumption means less risk of harm from alcohol and from this fact, it is necessary to promote the message that it is okay not to drink alcohol.” They also recommend a policy change for “mandatory labelling of all alcoholic beverages with health warnings.” You must decide for yourself what health risks you are willing to take and what level of wine consumption best fits your lifestyle.
Check out an article here in the Toronto Sun: New alcohol guidelines based on faulty science, misleading claims.
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