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DGE position statement

Alcohol consumption in Germany, health and social consequences and derivation of recommendations for action

This DGE position statement aims to provide recommendations for individual drinking behaviour regarding alcoholic beverages, taking into account the health effects of alcohol and other sustainability aspects.

Richter M, Tauer J, Conrad J, Heil E, Kroke A, Virmani K, Watzl B on behalf

of the German Nutrition Society (DGE): Alcohol consumption in Germany,

health and social consequences and derivation of recommendations for

action – Position statement of the German Nutrition Society (DGE).

Ernahrungs Umschau 2024; 71(10): online first + eSupplement

DGE-position_statement_alcohol_EU_2024_125-39_en.pdf (PDF391,38 KB)

Alcohol is a psychoactive substance that has been identified as a causal factor in more than 200 adverse health outcomes including diseases and accidents. However, the relationship between alcohol consumption and health is complex. There is evidence that alcohol consumption may reduce the risk of developing a few chronic diseases.

The findings indicate that no quantity of alcohol can be considered health-promoting and safe for consumption. Accordingly, the DGE recommends to avoid consuming alcoholic beverages.

For individuals who consume alcoholic beverages, it is advisable to avoid excessive intake. This is particularly pertinent to young people. Children, adolescents, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers should generally avoid consuming alcohol. In consideration of estimates of the amount of alcohol required to minimise the risk of adverse health consequences, the DGE also derives recommendations for action on alcohol consumption.


In Germany, further behavioural and population-based prevention efforts are needed to reduce alcohol consumption, related health and social problems, and alcohol-related mortality.

The DGE position statement on alcohol replaces the reference value for alcohol intake previously published
by the DGE.

Abb.: Risiko für negative Gesundheitsfolgen in Abhängigkeit vom Alkoholkonsum: „Risikofrei“ 0g Alkohol pro Woche; „Risikoarm“ <27g Alkoho pro Woche; „Moderates Risiko“ 27-81g Alkohol pro Woche; „Riskant“ >81 g pro Woche

Abb.: Risiko für negative Gesundheitsfolgen in Abhängigkeit vom Alkoholkonsum – welche Mengen sind als risikoarm, mit einem moderaten Risiko sowie als riskant anzusehen?

Download Abbildung „Risiko für negative Gesundheitsfolgen in Abhängigkeit vom Alkoholkonsum“

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