DRAFT Australian Dietary Guidelines - Eat For Health

Evidence Statement Grade
Consumption of alcohol, even at low levels (10 g/d) is associated with increased
risk of liver cancer in some populations.
Consumption of alcohol is associated with an increased risk of cancer of the oral
cavity, pharynx and larynx.
Consumption of alcohol at the level of 1 standard drink per day for women and
1.5-2 per day for men, with a maximum intake of 4 standard drinks per day, is
associated with reduced risk of dementia in older adults.
3.4.2.1 Cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and excess weight
Cardiovascular disease: There is evidence of a probable association between consumption of one
standard drink per day for women and 1.5–2 per day for men with a reduced risk of
cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality (Grade B, Section 16.1 in Evidence Report [14])
[611-613]. A meta-analysis evaluating the relationship between alcohol intake and cardiovascular
mortality in patients with a history of cardiovascular disease showed a J-shaped dose effect curve,
with an alcohol intake of approximately 26g/day having maximal protection. The authors
concluded that light to moderate alcohol consumption, defined as 5–25g/day, is significantly
associated with a lower incidence of cardiovascular and total mortality [614]. However the
evidence is not yet conclusive, particularly for Asian populations [615];[604];[616];[617].
There is evidence of a probable association between consumption of one standard drink per day
for women and 1.5–2 per day for men with an increase in HDL cholesterol (Grade B, Section 16.1
in Evidence Report [14]) [618-625]. Recent reviews of population-based studies [614, 626, 627]
support these statements.
Although an insufficient number of studies were identified to formulate an evidence statement,
excess alcohol consumption has been found to increase the risk of high blood pressure [628, 629].
A more recent review supports these findings, suggesting a synergistic effect between alcohol,
hypertension and cerebrovascular events [630].
The Canadian and Australian guidelines on the management of hypertension include the
moderation of alcohol intake as an important intervention [631]. High blood pressure is a major
risk factor for both ischaemic and haemorrhagic stroke [632].
Type 2 diabetes: Evidence regarding an association between alcohol intake and risk of type 2
diabetes is inconclusive (Section 16.2, Evidence Report [14]).
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