Moderate drinking not better for health than abstaining, analysis suggests

Scientists say flaws in previous research mean health benefits from alcohol were exaggerated

For the regular boozer it is a source of great comfort: the fat pile of studies that say a daily tipple is better for a longer life than avoiding alcohol completely.

But a new analysis challenges the thinking and blames the rosy message on flawed research that compares drinkers with people who are sick and sober.