The US Department of Health and Human Services has released its official dietary recommendations and outlined definitions for what it considers to be “problem” drinking behaviour.

The recommended guidelines of one drink a day for women and two for men remains, but heavy or high-risk drinking has now been classed as: “The consumption of more than three drinks in any day (42g) or more than seven per week for women, and more than four drinks in any day (56g) or more than 14 per week for men.” As for binge drinking the classification is the consumption of four drinks within two hours for women and five drinks within two hours for men.

In the UK binge drinking is defined as the consumption of twice the recommended daily number of units; eight or more for men and six units or more for women. The report adds: “Alcohol consumption may have beneficial effects when consumed in moderation. “Strong evidence from observational studies has shown that moderate alcohol consumption is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.

Moderate alcohol consumption also is associated with reduced risk of all-cause mortality among middle-aged and older adults and may help to keep cognitive function intact with age.” The report concludes: “It is not recommended that anyone begin drinking or drink more frequently on the basis of potential health benefits because moderate alcohol intake also is associated with increased risk of breast cancer, violence, drowning, and injuries from falls and motor vehicle crashes.”