Low-risk Drinking Guidelines Around the World: An Overview of the Current Situation

Abstract

Objective: Identify the standard drink and the differences in low-risk drinking guidelines for adults and older adults around the world according to sex and country-income level. Method: A search for standard drink definitions and low-risk drinking guidelines for adults and older people in current governmental documents was undertaken; items sought: (1) low-risk drinking guidelines for different age groups and sex; (2) definitions of a standard drink in grams of alcohol; (3) country-income level; (4) whether there was a national action plan for alcohol; (5) identification of particular vulnerable groups. Results: Of the 194 countries in the world, the authors were able to identify 58 that have low-risk drinking guidelines, 60.3% being high-income, 32.8% upper-middle-income, and 6.9% low-middle-income countries (no guidelines were found in low-income countries). Definitions of a standard drink ranged from 8 to 20 g. Low-risk drinking guidelines (grams/week) ranged substantiality: from 15 to 170 g for women and from 15 to 294 for men. For older adults, ranged from 70 to 204 for women and for men over 65 years of age. Discussion/Conclusion: Important differences among definitions of a standard drink and in low-risk drinking guidelines adopted by the countries were found. These differences can partially be explained by inherent aspects of each country; however, many guidelines do not seem to consider biological and social aspects or scientific evidence. In addition, it is important to highlight the lack of guidelines in low and low-middle income countries that would benefit from these measures.