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

Evidence StatementConsumption of alcohol, even at low levels (10 g/d) is associated with increasedrisk of liver cancer in some populations.Consumption of alcohol is associated with an increased risk of cancer of the oralcavity, pharynx and larynx.Consumption of alcohol at the level of 1 standard drink per day for women and1.5-2 per day for men, with a maximum intake of 4 standard drinks per day, isassociated with reduced risk of dementia in older adults.GradeCCC3.4.2.1 Cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and excess weightCardiovascular disease: There is evidence of a probable association between consumption of onestandard drink per day for women and 1.5–2 per day for men with a reduced risk ofcardiovascular 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 cardiovascularmortality 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 authorsconcluded that light to moderate alcohol consumption, defined as 5–25g/day, is significantlyassociated with a lower incidence of cardiovascular and total mortality [614]. However theevidence 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 dayfor women and 1.5–2 per day for men with an increase in HDL cholesterol (Grade B, Section 16.1in 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 themoderation of alcohol intake as an important intervention [631]. High blood pressure is a majorrisk factor for both ischaemic and haemorrhagic stroke [632].Type 2 diabetes: Evidence regarding an association between alcohol intake and risk of type 2diabetes is inconclusive (Section 16.2, Evidence Report [14]).DRAFT Australian Dietary Guidelines- December 2011 95