Alcohol and diet

Alternative names:

diet and alcohol; liquor

Recommendations:

Alcohol is considered a "non-essential" nutrient because there is no human requirement for it. Moderate alcohol use may be tolerated without difficulty. Chronic or excessive use may lead to alcoholism.

During pregnancy:
Fetal alcohol syndrome is a condition caused by alcohol intake during pregnancy. Alcohol in the blood stream of the mother crosses the placenta and reaches the fetus. Fetal alcohol syndrome results in growth failure after birth, reduced IQ, and malformation of facial features. Therefore, ALCOHOL INTAKE DURING PREGNANCY IS NOT RECOMMENDED.

Responsible intake:
Your body's ability to break down alcohol depends on your weight, recent food intake, physical condition, and gender. A larger person can usually tolerate more alcohol. Recent food intake will slow the digestion of alcohol, thereby minimizing it's effects. Men generally tolerate more alcohol than women. It is believed that gender and genetic factors determining alcohol tolerance are related to a person's ability to produce the enzyme that helps digests alcohol. If you produce more of this enzyme, less of what you drink reaches the blood stream in the form of alcohol and more arrives already broken down. Therefore, a person with more of this enzyme can tolerate more alcohol without the effects on the central nervous system.

The U.S. Dietary Guidelines suggest that if you drink alcohol, do so in moderation. Limit alcohol intake to less than 5% of your daily caloric intake, preferably not more than 1 to 2 ounces of alcohol daily. This is equal to 1-1/2 ounces of 80 proof liquor such as brandy, whisky, gin, vodka; one 4-ounce glass of wine; or one 12-ounce glass of beer.

General guidelines for appropriate use of alcohol:

• Reduce the alcohol content of a beverage by diluting distilled liquors with a nonalcoholic beverages (juice, sodas) ice, or water.
• Never drink alcohol and drive a car. Have someone designated to drive if you're going to drink or plan an alternative way home such as a taxi or bus.
• Know your capacity for alcohol intake. As a general rule, the lower your body weight, the more intense the effect alcohol will have on you. Also remember that women are (generally speaking) more susceptible to the effects of alcohol than men.
• Plan a snack or a meal before your drink. Never drink on an empty stomach.
• If you are taking any medication, including over-the-counter medications, check with your pharmacist before drinking alcohol. Alcohol can intensify the effects of many medications and drugs and can interact with others making them ineffective. (Check the Drug Interactions section to test medications for potential interaction with alcohol, also.)
• Cautious use of alcohol is prudent and will help avoid potential problems.