Alcohol Consumtion: Moderation is the key

Alcoholic beverages supply calories but few nutrients. The effects of alcohol consumed in large amounts are harmful. Alcohol alters judgement, and leads to dependency and other health problems.

Current evidence suggests that moderate drinking is associated with a lower risk for coronary heart disease in some individuals. However, higher levels of alcohol intake raise the risk for high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease, certain cancers, accidents, violence, suicides, birth defects, and overall mortality (deaths). Too much alcohol may cause cirrhosis of the liver, inflammation of the pancreas, and damage to the brain and heart.

Heavy drinkers also are at risk of malnutrition because alcohol contains calories that may substitute for those in more nutritious foods.

• Children and adolescents.
• Individuals who cannot restrict their drinking to moderate levels
• Women who are trying to conceive or who are pregnant.
• Individuals who plan to drive
• Individuals using prescription and over-the-counter medications.

(Reprinted with permission from the United States Food and Drug Administration)

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