Draft Australian Dietary Guidelines (PDF, 3MB) - Eat For Health

as well as some chronic conditions. Older people are advised to consult their health professionalsabout the most appropriate level of drinking for their health’ [609].3.4.4.4 Aboriginal and Torres Strait IslandersAboriginal or Torres Strait Islander peoples are more likely than other Australians to abstain fromdrinking alcohol (23% compared to about 15%). However, those who do consume alcohol aremore likely to do so at risky or high-risk levels for short-term harm [670]. In response to severeproblems related to excess alcohol consumption in many Indigenous communities, initiatives havebeen introduced to encourage non-harmful alcohol use, limit access to alcohol, and establish ‘dry’areas and communities. As with the general population, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanderpeople should follow the alcohol guidelines described above [609].3.4.4.5 Culturally and linguistically diverse groupsPeople from culturally diverse groups are more likely than the general adult population in Australiato abstain from alcohol (43% compared to 15%) [670]. The possible protective health effect ofmoderate drinking has not been demonstrated in Asian groups. Alcohol drinking customs vary indifferent cultures and typically immigrant groups bring their drinking patterns from their countryof origin.3.4.4.6 People with diabetesAs alcohol and hypoglycaemia have independent but additive effects on cognitive function andbehaviour, it is recommended that people with diabetes abstain from alcohol if they plan to drive[679]. Alcohol worsens medical conditions associated with diabetes, such as liver disease,hypertension and advanced neuropathy [666, 680]. People with diabetes may need to take specialprecautions when drinking and should discuss alcohol use with a health professional.3.4.4.7 Interaction of alcohol and energy drinksA new category of alcoholic drinks is now being marketed in Australia with added caffeine andsometimes other stimulants. The effects of alcohol and other components in these energy drinksappear to be synergistic, resulting in increased intoxication. In comparison to alcohol alone, thecombination of alcohol and energy drink significantly reduces the intensity of subjectiveperceptions of headache, dry mouth, weakness and impairment of motor coordination [681]. Theconcern is that consuming caffeine, a central nervous system stimulant, and alcohol, a depressant,at the same time will reduce subjective perceptions of alcohol-induced impairment in comparisonto alcohol alone [682, 683]. Reduced ability in recognising alcohol impairment may enhance risktakingbehaviour and possibly lead to greater alcohol intake [684].DRAFT Australian Dietary Guidelines- December 2011 100