Alcohol has virtually no discernible health benefits and claims that a glass of wine is good for the heart have been exaggerated, a study has concluded.
Researchers at University College London argue that studies suggesting that moderate drinkers are healthier rely on flawed comparisons with people who have given up alcohol, often because they are already sick.
However, the research was immediately attacked by other experts, who said it was too small to make such sweeping claims and actually supported previous findings of a small protective effect of a daily glass of wine.
Separately, women were urged not to drink at all during the first three months of pregnancy or even while planning a baby.
Updated guidance from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists