Official alcohol guidelines that were "plucked out of the air" wrongly suggest we can drink almost daily with no ill effects, doctors have said.
They have been set too high and fail to take into account evidence that shows drinking only modest amounts raises the risk of cancer and other diseases, they say.
The issue is investigated in a three-part 'You And Yours' documentary into British government guidelines on alcohol, diet and exercise starting today on BBC Radio 4.
The current guidelines recommend that men should limit themselves to "three to four units" a day, which the National Health Service likens to "not much more than a pint of strong lager, beer or cider".
Women should not regularly drink more than "two to three units" a day, equivalent to "no more than a standard 175ml glass of wine".
Research published last year suggests consumption should be much lower – perhaps only a quarter of a pint of beer daily.
Dr Michael Mosley's research for the documentary found the guidelines were based on limited data on the harmful effects of low to moderate level drinking. They were formulated in 1987 by a Royal College of Physicians working party.
Source: Stephen Adams, Irish Independent, 02/01/2013
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