Corrao, et al (2004) recently
reviewed the dose–risk relationship between alcohol consumption and
major alcohol-related diseases. The review found that in general,
disease risks begin to rise with any drinking and increase further
with higher intake. Risk
increases significantly for drinkers, beginning at an intake of 25 g
per day, for cancers of the oral cavity and pharynx, esophagus,
larynx, breast, liver, colon, and rectum, as well as liver
cirrhosis, hypertension, chronic pancreatitis, and injuries and
violence. The risk of hemorrhagic stroke increases significantly at
50 g per day and 100 g per day. The risk of ischemic stroke
increases at 100 g per day.
Coronary heart disease risk decreases significantly at 25 g per day
and 50 g per day, and increases at 100 g per day.
