The United Kingdom's chief medical officers issued a new drinking guideline indicating that there is no safe alcohol limit for anyone. Men are advised not to drink more than 14 units of alcohol weekly while pregnant women should not drink to decrease cancer risks.
The Guardian reported that chief medical officers in the UK released a new alcohol drinking guide based on scientific research on the short and long-term effects of alcohol. They advise the public that there is no safe level of alcohol intake for anyone, regardless of sex. It was revealed that drinking alcohol can increase risks of developing cancer.
According to the new drinking guide, men are reduced to drinking no more than 14 units of alcohol compared to the previous 21 units. Newsletter reported that the guideline defines 14 units of alcohol as: 14 single measures of spirits, 7 pints of lager (4%), 9 and 1/3 125ml glasses of wine (12%), 7 175ml glasses of wine (12%), or 4 and 2/3 250 ml glasses of wine (12%).
The same amount of alcohol is allowed for women. However, there are complaints from the alcohol industry that the UK government is not following established global standards by offering the same guidelines for both sexes. They believe that women should be issued a lower limit than men since they weigh less and contain less water in their bodies.
Pregnant women are advised not to drink any alcohol as precaution, contrary to the previous recommendation that they are allowed to drink not higher than one to two units. Dame Sally Davies, England Chief Medical Officer, said, "I want pregnant women to be very clear that they should avoid alcohol as a precaution. Although the risk of harm to the baby is low if they have drunk small amounts of alcohol before becoming aware of the pregnancy, there is no 'safe' level of alcohol to drink when you are pregnant".
Individuals are warned to avoid binge drinking sessions. It is recommended that the allowed 14 units of alcohol should be distributed evenly over three days or more. The guideline also encourages alcohol-free days per week.
According to The National, every alcohol intake adds to the risk of developing serious health illnesses like cancer, especially breast cancer for women. The Committee on Carcinogenicity published findings linking alcohol to increased cancer risks. It was also revealed in a study that women who drink 2 units everyday are 16% more likely to develop breast cancer and die, while those who drink 5 units have 40% risk.
"Drinking any level of alcohol regularly carries a health risk for anyone, but if men and women limit their intake to no more than 14 units a week it keeps the risk of illness like cancer and liver disease low," added Davies.
Chief medical officers said that the new published guidelines are intended to make people aware of the most recent information on alcohol. The guide will help individuals make wise decisions and limit their drinking.
