A Hangover Care drink with science based ingredients

[FENIX drink]

Hello everyone, I would like utilise this community to get some feedback regarding my composed formula to diminish hangover symptoms and support our body during the degradation process of ethanol in a healthy way. My startup FENIX Hangover Care is currently performing a seed investment round to gather enough cash to start our first production in our Benelux (Belgium, Luxembourg & Netherlands) region. Doing so I'm of course also interested what this science community thinks about this idea/product, so all feedback is highly appreciated!

We picked the ingredients for 2 main reasons:

1) Support the body while getting rid of the harmful by-products of alcohol (ROS (reactive oxygen species), acetaldehyde, inflammation, dehydration)

2) Lowering overall hangover symptoms as much as possible by selecting the most studied ingredients and adding them at the right concentration. 

We added the following ingredients:

Choline: the only ingredients with EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) health claim regarding 'liver support'

Silymarin (from Milk thistle): a strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory

Ginger Officinale: interesting data regarding morning sickness

Opuntia Ficus Indica: anti-inflammatory and significant reduction of 3 hangover symptoms; nausea, dry mouth and appetite

Nashi pear juice: interesting research from 2013 demonstrating its potential of increasing ALDH (aldehyde dehydrogenase; responsible for breakdown of acetaldehyde) and subsequently lowering overall hangover symptoms. 

minerals (Mg, K, Na): for rehydration and replenish lost electrolytes during alcohol consumption

vitamines (vit C, vit E, vit B1, vit B3, vit B6): strong antioxidants and support of immune system + mental support

N-acetylcysteine: precursor of glutathione, one of our strongest natural antioxidants

 

If you would like to receive the links to the related articles, please let me know and we will provide (email removed)

 

 

[koti]

1 hour ago, FENIX drink said:

Hello everyone, I would like utilise this community to get some feedback regarding my composed formula to diminish hangover symptoms and support our body during the degradation process of ethanol in a healthy way. My startup FENIX Hangover Care is currently performing a seed investment round to gather enough cash to start our first production in our Benelux (Belgium, Luxembourg & Netherlands) region. Doing so I'm of course also interested what this science community thinks about this idea/product, so all feedback is highly appreciated!

We picked the ingredients for 2 main reasons:

1) Support the body while getting rid of the harmful by-products of alcohol (ROS (reactive oxygen species), acetaldehyde, inflammation, dehydration)

2) Lowering overall hangover symptoms as much as possible by selecting the most studied ingredients and adding them at the right concentration. 

We added the following ingredients:

Choline: the only ingredients with EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) health claim regarding 'liver support'

Silymarin (from Milk thistle): a strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory

Ginger Officinale: interesting data regarding morning sickness

Opuntia Ficus Indica: anti-inflammatory and significant reduction of 3 hangover symptoms; nausea, dry mouth and appetite

Nashi pear juice: interesting research from 2013 demonstrating its potential of increasing ALDH (aldehyde dehydrogenase; responsible for breakdown of acetaldehyde) and subsequently lowering overall hangover symptoms. 

minerals (Mg, K, Na): for rehydration and replenish lost electrolytes during alcohol consumption

vitamines (vit C, vit E, vit B1, vit B3, vit B6): strong antioxidants and support of immune system + mental support

N-acetylcysteine: precursor of glutathione, one of our strongest natural antioxidants

 

If you would like to receive the links to the related articles, please let me know and we will provide 

 

 

I don't see H2O in the ingredients. I know for a fact that it is required when having a hangover.  Is it not listed because its a secret?  

[FENIX drink]

9 minutes ago, koti said:

I don't see H2O in the ingredients. I know for a fact that it is required when having a hangover.  Is it not listed because its a secret?  

haha sorry maybe I didn't make that entirely clear. It is a water based drink so next to all the active ingredients there is indeed plenty of water. By the way, you should drink 2 cans (250 ml each) during the night out to use its full potential

[koti]

10 minutes ago, FENIX drink said:

haha sorry maybe I didn't make that entirely clear. It is a water based drink so next to all the active ingredients there is indeed plenty of water. By the way, you should drink 2 cans (250 ml each) during the night out to use its full potential

This thread is going to get trashed any time now (advertising your products is not welcome on this forum) but hey, if you got a good product I'm sure it will sell. Does it come in a drip ?

Edited April 23, 2018 by koti

[FENIX drink]

In fact I don't want to advertise at all, just want some feedback regarding the composition. No drip just a can in this case.

[koti]

29 minutes ago, FENIX drink said:

In fact I don't want to advertise at all, just want some feedback regarding the composition. No drip just a can in this case.

As far as composition goes, 1.5L of still water with 6 tablespoons of sugar and 2 lemons with twice the daily intake of Mg the night before is something which does work.

[swansont]

52 minutes ago, FENIX drink said:

In fact I don't want to advertise at all, just want some feedback regarding the composition. No drip just a can in this case.

!

Moderator Note

But you went out of your way to provide an email for feedback, and mention that you are soliciting funding. Maybe don't do those things if you aren't advertising.

I think what the scientifically-minded are going to want is some kind of evidence that this works, or evidence that the ingredients contribute to doing what is being advertised. Do you have any?

 

28 minutes ago, koti said:

As far as composition goes, 1.5L of still water with 6 tablespoons of sugar and 2 lemons with twice the daily intake of Mg the night before is something which does work.

Evidence for this would be good, too.

[koti]

24 minutes ago, swansont said:

 

Evidence for this would be good, too.

Ingesting carbohydrates which elevate glucose levels and in effect help with hydration is the best solution. If youre not able to eat, water with sugar is an option, a glucose drip is most efficient. Physical work is good too.

https://www.google.pl/amp/s/www.buzzfeed.com/amphtml/alexkasprak/heres-the-secret-to-getting-rid-of-your-hangover

[swansont]

1 hour ago, koti said:

Ingesting carbohydrates which elevate glucose levels and in effect help with hydration is the best solution. If youre not able to eat, water with sugar is an option, a glucose drip is most efficient. Physical work is good too.

https://www.google.pl/amp/s/www.buzzfeed.com/amphtml/alexkasprak/heres-the-secret-to-getting-rid-of-your-hangover

This article contradicts some of that, and claims to have scientific backing

"But if low blood sugar were the problem, administering glucose and fructose ought to be the solution. And it’s not—sugar doesn’t help the morning after."

https://www.wired.com/2014/05/hangover-cure/

 

[koti]

20 minutes ago, swansont said:

This article contradicts some of that, and claims to have scientific backing

"But if low blood sugar were the problem, administering glucose and fructose ought to be the solution. And it’s not—sugar doesn’t help the morning after."

https://www.wired.com/2014/05/hangover-cure/

 

I presume its the carbs which help with leveling out sugar. If you’re not able to eat though...

Its more complex though, obviously. Vitamin B, potasium, magnesium and various other compounds play a role. This is something which works fast and efficiently:

http://www.hangoverclub.com/packages

[StringJunky]

Chasing a hangover cure is like lacing a bullet with penicillin.

[swansont]

23 minutes ago, koti said:

I presume its the carbs which help with leveling out sugar. If you’re not able to eat though...

Its more complex though, obviously. Vitamin B, potasium, magnesium and various other compounds play a role. This is something which works fast and efficiently:

http://www.hangoverclub.com/packages

No scientific evidence being presented to back this up. As far as I know, they could be touting healing crystals.

[koti]

5 minutes ago, swansont said:

No scientific evidence being presented to back this up. As far as I know, they could be touting healing crystals.

I would imagine they should know what they're doing but you're right, I wouldn't do it myself unless it was straight from an MD.  

[Moontanman]

The best hangover sure i know of is drinking water, large amounts of water, before, during, and after your alcohol bing. Not drinking too much is a much wiser route to avoiding a hangover... 

[OldChemE]

Many years ago my university room mate, A graduate student in Chemistry, did his own research and claimed that the principle cause of a hangover was (a) dehydration and (b) the ketones and aldehydes that were present as side products of fermentation.  To test his theory, we drank beverages using pure lab grade alcohol.  It seemed to work.  I never did any other research, but usually just woke up feeling thirsty and tired, but not hung over.  I'm now too old for this sort of serious research, but heartily recommend it to hardier souls.

[Moontanman]

12 minutes ago, OldChemE said:

Many years ago my university room mate, A graduate student in Chemistry, did his own research and claimed that the principle cause of a hangover was (a) dehydration and (b) the ketones and aldehydes that were present as side products of fermentation.  To test his theory, we drank beverages using pure lab grade alcohol.  It seemed to work.  I never did any other research, but usually just woke up feeling thirsty and tired, but not hung over.  I'm now too old for this sort of serious research, but heartily recommend it to hardier souls.

 

I used to be a bit of a heavy drinker, tequila was my poison of choice and drinking water was my secrete to no hangovers. When i was young we used to camp on the beach and surf fish all night, if your definition of surf fishing is drinking all night and taking your line out of the water if the fish become too annoying... In the morning after a night of drunken revelry while everyone else was lying around sick and throwing up I would be cooking bacon and eggs and laughing my ass off. Most of the guys refused to use my method due to being told that drinking water would make them sicker. Old wives tales are often incorrect... 

[FENIX drink]

15 hours ago, swansont said:

!

Moderator Note

But you went out of your way to provide an email for feedback, and mention that you are soliciting funding. Maybe don't do those things if you aren't advertising.

I think what the scientifically-minded are going to want is some kind of evidence that this works, or evidence that the ingredients contribute to doing what is being advertised. Do you have any?

 

Evidence for this would be good, too.

I will take that in mind in the future thanks, just wanted to sketch the background story of my question. Regarding the evidence, we have added the right ingredients at the right concentration to obtain the following 7 official EFSA claims, I have attached the links to the official European Commission reports:

Choline contributes to the maintenance of normal liver function.
https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2011.2056
https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2011.2203

 

Magnesium contributes to:
1. to reduction of tiredness and fatigue
https:/efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2010.1807
2. the normal functioning of the nervous system
https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2009.1216
3. electrolyte balance
https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2009.1216

 

Sodium & glucose enhance water absorption.
https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2011.2211

 

Potassium contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system
https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2010.1469

 

Vitamin C contributes to:
1. the normal function of the immune system
http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/doc/1226.pdf
2. the protection of cells from oxidative stress
https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2009.1226
3. reduction of tiredness and fatigue
https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2010.1815
4. the normal functioning of the nervous system
https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2009.1226

 

Vitamin E contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.
https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2010.1816

 

Regarding the vit B's, there are also 2 claims to make:

1. vit B1, B3 and B6 contribute to the normal functioning of the nervous system

2. vit B3 contributes to reduction of tiredness and fatigue.

 

These official health claims are part of the aim to support our body during the process. Regarding lowering hangover symptoms and specific liver support we have selected 4 plant derived ingredients from which I have added the conclusion of the articles (with title so everyone can look them up) below:

Silymarin

SILYMARIN RETARDS THE PROGRESSION OF ALCOHOL-INDUCED HEPATIC FIBROSIS
IN BABOONS
Conclusions Silymarin retards the development of alcohol-induced hepatic fibrosis in baboons, consistent with
several positive clinical trials.

SILYMARIN PROTECTS AGAINST ACUTE ETHANOL‐INDUCED HEPATOTOXICITY IN
MICE
Conclusions Silymarin protects against the liver injury caused by acute EtOH administration. In view of its nontoxic
nature, it may be developed as an effective therapeutic agent for alcohol‐induced liver disease by its antioxidative
stress and anti‐inflammatory features.

PROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF SILYMARIN, A MILK THISTLE (SILYBIUM MARIANUM)
DERIVATIVE ON ETHANOL-INDUCED OXIDATIVE STRESS IN LIVER.
Conclusion Silybin showed a significant hepatoprotective activity, but activity was less than that of ascorbic acid.
Furthermore, preventive measures were more effective than curative treatment.

 

Zingiber Officinale

PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF GINGER AGAINST ALCOHOL-INDUCED RENAL DAMAGE
AND ANTIOXIDANT ENZYMES IN MALE ALBINO RATS.
Conclusion The antioxidant compounds of ginger may modulate the oxidative stress induced by alcohol. SOD,
ascorbic acid, and GSH levels were decreased, and GST activity was increased in alcohol treated rats. However,
after treatment with the extract of ginger, these parameters came to normal.

CLINICAL EFFECTIVENESS OF KSS FORMULA, A TRADITIONAL FOLK REMEDY FOR
ALCOHOL HANGOVER SYMPTOMS.
Conclusion These findings suggest the possibility that KSS formula may become a candidate for alcohol hangover
remedy when administered prophylactically.

EFFECT OF A GINGER EXTRACT ON PREGNANCY‐INDUCED NAUSEA: A
RANDOMISED CONTROLLED TRIAL.
Conclusion Ginger can be considered as a useful treatment option for women suffering from morning sickness and
therefore it could be used as a candidate for the prevention and treatment of hangover.

EFFECTS OF GINGER ON MOTION SICKNESS AND GASTRIC SLOW-WAVE
DYSRHYTHMIAS INDUCED BY CIRCULAR VECTION.
Conclusion Ginger effectively reduces nausea, tachygastric activity, and vasopressin release induced by circular
vection. In this manner, ginger may act as a novel agent in the prevention and treatment of motion sickness.

 

PYRUS PYRIFOLIA (KOREAN PEAR) JUICE

EFFECT OF KOREAN PEAR (PYRUSPYRIFOLIA CV. SHINGO) JUICE ON HANGOVER
SEVERITY FOLLOWING ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION
Conclusion The results have showed that Korean pear stimulated the activities of both ADH and ALDH and
decreased the blood alcohol level in ALDH2 genotype. Therefore, Korean pear juice could alleviate hangover, and
its detoxification of alcohol seemed to be related to the genetic variation of ALDH2. The results suggested that
human ALDH2 polymorphisms could lead to individual variations on alcohol detoxification. Hence, Pyrus pyrifolia
might be a useful and effective food supplement in alleviation of hangover and detoxification of alcohol through
stimulating the activities of both ADH and ALDH.

OPUNTIA FICUS-INDICA

EFFECT OF OPUNTIA FICUS INDICA ON SYMPTOMS OF THE ALCOHOL HANGOVER.
Conclusions The symptoms of the alcohol hangover are largely due to the activation of inflammation. An extract of
the OFI plant has a moderate effect on reducing hangover symptoms, apparently by inhibiting the production of
inflammatory mediators.

EVALUATION OF OPUNTIA FICUS INDICA F. INERMIS FRUIT JUICE
HEPATOPROTECTIVE EFFECT UPON ALCOHOL TOXICITY IN RATS
Conclusion Therefore, Opuntia ficus-indica might be effective in treating hangover and protecting liver from alcohol
toxicity due to its anti-inflammatory and strong antioxidant properties.

 

If anyone has more questions, or remarks, please let me know. 

 

 

15 hours ago, koti said:

Ingesting carbohydrates which elevate glucose levels and in effect help with hydration is the best solution. If youre not able to eat, water with sugar is an option, a glucose drip is most efficient. Physical work is good too.

https://www.google.pl/amp/s/www.buzzfeed.com/amphtml/alexkasprak/heres-the-secret-to-getting-rid-of-your-hangover

 

14 hours ago, swansont said:

This article contradicts some of that, and claims to have scientific backing

"But if low blood sugar were the problem, administering glucose and fructose ought to be the solution. And it’s not—sugar doesn’t help the morning after."

https://www.wired.com/2014/05/hangover-cure/

 

 

13 hours ago, swansont said:

No scientific evidence being presented to back this up. As far as I know, they could be touting healing crystals.

 

13 hours ago, koti said:

I would imagine they should know what they're doing but you're right, I wouldn't do it myself unless it was straight from an MD.  

 

7 hours ago, Moontanman said:

The best hangover sure i know of is drinking water, large amounts of water, before, during, and after your alcohol bing. Not drinking too much is a much wiser route to avoiding a hangover... 

d

7 hours ago, OldChemE said:

Many years ago my university room mate, A graduate student in Chemistry, did his own research and claimed that the principle cause of a hangover was (a) dehydration and (b) the ketones and aldehydes that were present as side products of fermentation.  To test his theory, we drank beverages using pure lab grade alcohol.  It seemed to work.  I never did any other research, but usually just woke up feeling thirsty and tired, but not hung over.  I'm now too old for this sort of serious research, but heartily recommend it to hardier souls.

Alcohol hangover is not yet fully understood but the existing evidence indeed point out that it's a combination of dehydration (that's why we add electrolytes and glucose), increased concentration of acetaldehyde (which we lower by using the Nashi pear juice and also inflammation (we added several anti-inflammatory agents). Scientists didn't yet discover the ultimate antidote but at least we can lower already the hangover symptoms significantly. 

13 hours ago, swansont said:

No scientific evidence being presented to back this up. As far as I know, they could be touting healing crystals.

Regarding the evidence, we have added the right ingredients at the right concentration to obtain the following 7 official EFSA claims, I have attached the links to the official European Commission reports:

Choline contributes to the maintenance of normal liver function.
https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2011.2056
https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2011.2203

 

Magnesium contributes to:
1. to reduction of tiredness and fatigue
https:/efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2010.1807
2. the normal functioning of the nervous system
https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2009.1216
3. electrolyte balance
https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2009.1216

 

Sodium & glucose enhance water absorption.
https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2011.2211

 

Potassium contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system
https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2010.1469

 

Vitamin C contributes to:
1. the normal function of the immune system
http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/doc/1226.pdf
2. the protection of cells from oxidative stress
https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2009.1226
3. reduction of tiredness and fatigue
https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2010.1815
4. the normal functioning of the nervous system
https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2009.1226

 

Vitamin E contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.
https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2010.1816

 

Regarding the vit B's, there are also 2 claims to make:

1. vit B1, B3 and B6 contribute to the normal functioning of the nervous system

2. vit B3 contributes to reduction of tiredness and fatigue.

 

These official health claims are part of the aim to support our body during the process. Regarding lowering hangover symptoms and specific liver support we have selected 4 plant derived ingredients from which I have added the conclusion of the articles (with title so everyone can look them up) below:

Silymarin

SILYMARIN RETARDS THE PROGRESSION OF ALCOHOL-INDUCED HEPATIC FIBROSIS
IN BABOONS
Conclusions Silymarin retards the development of alcohol-induced hepatic fibrosis in baboons, consistent with
several positive clinical trials.

SILYMARIN PROTECTS AGAINST ACUTE ETHANOL‐INDUCED HEPATOTOXICITY IN
MICE
Conclusions Silymarin protects against the liver injury caused by acute EtOH administration. In view of its nontoxic
nature, it may be developed as an effective therapeutic agent for alcohol‐induced liver disease by its antioxidative
stress and anti‐inflammatory features.

PROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF SILYMARIN, A MILK THISTLE (SILYBIUM MARIANUM)
DERIVATIVE ON ETHANOL-INDUCED OXIDATIVE STRESS IN LIVER.
Conclusion Silybin showed a significant hepatoprotective activity, but activity was less than that of ascorbic acid.
Furthermore, preventive measures were more effective than curative treatment.

 

Zingiber Officinale

PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF GINGER AGAINST ALCOHOL-INDUCED RENAL DAMAGE
AND ANTIOXIDANT ENZYMES IN MALE ALBINO RATS.
Conclusion The antioxidant compounds of ginger may modulate the oxidative stress induced by alcohol. SOD,
ascorbic acid, and GSH levels were decreased, and GST activity was increased in alcohol treated rats. However,
after treatment with the extract of ginger, these parameters came to normal.

CLINICAL EFFECTIVENESS OF KSS FORMULA, A TRADITIONAL FOLK REMEDY FOR
ALCOHOL HANGOVER SYMPTOMS.
Conclusion These findings suggest the possibility that KSS formula may become a candidate for alcohol hangover
remedy when administered prophylactically.

EFFECT OF A GINGER EXTRACT ON PREGNANCY‐INDUCED NAUSEA: A
RANDOMISED CONTROLLED TRIAL.
Conclusion Ginger can be considered as a useful treatment option for women suffering from morning sickness and
therefore it could be used as a candidate for the prevention and treatment of hangover.

EFFECTS OF GINGER ON MOTION SICKNESS AND GASTRIC SLOW-WAVE
DYSRHYTHMIAS INDUCED BY CIRCULAR VECTION.
Conclusion Ginger effectively reduces nausea, tachygastric activity, and vasopressin release induced by circular
vection. In this manner, ginger may act as a novel agent in the prevention and treatment of motion sickness.

 

PYRUS PYRIFOLIA (KOREAN PEAR) JUICE

EFFECT OF KOREAN PEAR (PYRUSPYRIFOLIA CV. SHINGO) JUICE ON HANGOVER
SEVERITY FOLLOWING ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION
Conclusion The results have showed that Korean pear stimulated the activities of both ADH and ALDH and
decreased the blood alcohol level in ALDH2 genotype. Therefore, Korean pear juice could alleviate hangover, and
its detoxification of alcohol seemed to be related to the genetic variation of ALDH2. The results suggested that
human ALDH2 polymorphisms could lead to individual variations on alcohol detoxification. Hence, Pyrus pyrifolia
might be a useful and effective food supplement in alleviation of hangover and detoxification of alcohol through
stimulating the activities of both ADH and ALDH.

OPUNTIA FICUS-INDICA

EFFECT OF OPUNTIA FICUS INDICA ON SYMPTOMS OF THE ALCOHOL HANGOVER.
Conclusions The symptoms of the alcohol hangover are largely due to the activation of inflammation. An extract of
the OFI plant has a moderate effect on reducing hangover symptoms, apparently by inhibiting the production of
inflammatory mediators.

EVALUATION OF OPUNTIA FICUS INDICA F. INERMIS FRUIT JUICE
HEPATOPROTECTIVE EFFECT UPON ALCOHOL TOXICITY IN RATS
Conclusion Therefore, Opuntia ficus-indica might be effective in treating hangover and protecting liver from alcohol
toxicity due to its anti-inflammatory and strong antioxidant properties.

 

[CharonY]

21 hours ago, koti said:

I would imagine they should know what they're doing but you're right, I wouldn't do it myself unless it was straight from an MD.  

That would only work if there was established science that the MD could convey (most are not researchers). Unfortunately there are not a lot of properly controlled studies and those that exist have contradicting results. As a whole, the mechanisms are still somewhat unclear. A study has looked at metabolic disturbances due to ethanol exposure (such as blood sugar levels, fatty acid concentration, acidosis etc.) and found that fructose or glucose administrations had an effect on these metabolite levels. However, they had no effect on the the signs of intoxication, including hangover.

 

15 hours ago, OldChemE said:

Many years ago my university room mate, A graduate student in Chemistry, did his own research and claimed that the principle cause of a hangover was (a) dehydration and (b) the ketones and aldehydes that were present as side products of fermentation.  To test his theory, we drank beverages using pure lab grade alcohol.  It seemed to work.  I never did any other research, but usually just woke up feeling thirsty and tired, but not hung over.  I'm now too old for this sort of serious research, but heartily recommend it to hardier souls.

Well, the aldehyde part at least has one flaw. Ethanol is converted to acetaldehyde, i.e. it does not need to be present prior to consumption to exert toxic effects. Many East Asians have an enzyme variant that converts ethanol to acetaldehyde much more efficiently, resulting in transient accumulation of that compound. Interestingly, there are not a whole lot of properly controlled study on the effects of additional metabolites in drinks on hangover. The few that are out there suggest that the amount is more critical, though those congeners could have an additional effect, though it is unclear to what extent and how.

[koti]

53 minutes ago, CharonY said:

That would only work if there was established science that the MD could convey (most are not researchers). Unfortunately there are not a lot of properly controlled studies and those that exist have contradicting results. As a whole, the mechanisms are still somewhat unclear. A study has looked at metabolic disturbances due to ethanol exposure (such as blood sugar levels, fatty acid concentration, acidosis etc.) and found that fructose or glucose administrations had an effect on these metabolite levels. However, they had no effect on the the signs of intoxication, including hangover.

Its not something I would reccomend to anyone but;

I aquanted a couple of surgeons at a holliday trip many years ago. They were very heavy drinkers and were equiped with...

well thats as much as the story will go here