Alcohol

Key Practice Points

Please Note: This content is being updated or under review. This version is based on the best available evidence at the last updated date and remains available to guide practice in the interim.


Intervention

Q: Are there any foods or dietary supplements capable of preventing or treating a hangover?

Last Updated: 2014-07-07


Contributors

Key Practice Point #1

Despite the numerous anecdotal cures for hangover there is limited research on any intervention. Of the research that has been conducted, the evidence for decreasing hangover symptoms of the following is poor: 
  • gamma-linolenic acid (Borago officinalis
  • prickly pear extract (Opuntia ficus-indica)
  • caffeine-containing products
  • a commercial remedy of dried yeast/B-vitamin  
  • a traditional ginger-based remedy.
These products cannot be recommended as effective treatments at this time.
 

Grade of Evidence D

Current Contributors

 

Catherine Freeze - Author

Heather Petrie - Author

Ingrid Darnley - Reviewer

Marilyn Manceau - Reviewer

Mathew Durant - Reviewer

Steve Pratt - Reviewer

Susie Langley - Reviewer

Bo Tang - Student Contributor