Comforted by regular headlines that moderate drinking is good for your health and will prolong your life?

A new study published in a leading medical journal suggests these claims are too good to be true.

Police believe the men were not known to each other. Credit:Andrew Quilty

While high alcohol consumption has been linked to more than 200 diseases and chronic conditions, some research has suggested that moderate consumption (1-2 drinks per day) may protect against heart disease and help prevent an early death.

But after examining some of the studies used to back these findings, British and Australian researchers say the results are likely to have been skewed by study design.