New guidance on alcohol welcomed

08 Jan 2016

The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow has welcomed new guidance on alcohol consumption issued by the UK’s Chief Medical Officers today.

The new guidelines are based on recommendations produced by a group of independent experts who carried out a comprehensive review of advice around alcohol consumption. Strengthening evidence on the link between alcohol and cancer was one of a number of reasons that led to the decision to tighten current guidelines.

Under the new recommendations both men and women are advised to limit alcohol consumption to 14 units (equivalent to about five pints of lager or five large (250ml) glasses of wine) spread over three or more days during the week.

President of the College, Professor David Galloway, said "This advice rests on the latest evidence and has several important implications. Perhaps the most striking new message concerns the relationship between alcohol intake and cancer. In the past, conflicting messages have led some people to believe that alcohol had health benefits. It is now very clear that there is no such thing as a safe level of alcohol intake. While the risks are graded, the advice highlights the dangers related to drinking patterns previously considered "safe".

"I welcome the CMOs’ three central recommendations focussing on the new weekly guidelines, ensuring that alcohol free days are emphasised and that drinking should be completely avoided in pregnancy."

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