How much alcohol is too much?

How much alcohol is too much?

Without doubt, the relationship between use of alcohol and human health is complex. Scientific debate continues on what advantage is gained from alcohol itself versus other elements in beverages containing alcohol.

The risk of breast cancer may increase with the amount of alcohol a woman regularly consumes, according to reports from the American Cancer Society. One study found that the death rate from breast cancer was 30 percent higher among women reporting at least one drink daily than among nondrinkers.

Dr. Thomas A. Pearson of the American Heart Association has pointed out that lack of precision in language influences attitudes: What is moderation in alcohol consumption?

In general, a 12-ounce bottle of beer, a 4-ounce glass of wine and a 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof spirits all contain the same amount of alcohol, he said.

Most researchers in the field define moderation as one or two servings per day.

Pearson said no alcohol should be consumed by people with a personal or family history of alcoholism, elevated triglycerides or problems with the pancreas, liver or heart, including high blood pressure. Pregnant women should not drink, he said.

But for most people, "consumption of one or two drinks per day is associated with a reduction in risk of approximately 30 percent to 50 percent" in coronary heart disease, Pearson said.

"The lowest mortality occurs in those who consume one or two drinks per day," he said. "In teetotalers or occasional drinkers, the (mortality) rates are higher than in those consuming one or two drinks per day. In persons who consume three or more drinks per day, total mortality climbs rapidly with increasing numbers of drinks per day."