This Probiotic Approach to Hangovers Has Everyone Talking – But Why?

Companies are marketing a new category of probiotic supplements that claim to reduce hangover symptoms, despite limited scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness.

The United States Food and Drug Administration classifies these products as dietary supplements rather than medications, meaning manufacturers can make health claims without FDA evaluation.

San Francisco-based ZBiotics and Swedish company De Faire Medical AB promote their products "Pre-Alcohol" and "Myrkl" as pre-drinking solutions. The supplements contain live bacteria designed to process acetaldehyde, a carcinogenic byproduct created when the body metabolizes alcohol that contributes to hangover symptoms like nausea and stomach discomfort.

Early adopters report mixed results. Eric Burke, a 48-year-old bourbon reviewer who describes himself as susceptible to hangovers, initially found success with Pre-Alcohol. However, his second attempt with increased alcohol consumption proved less effective. "That one was unpleasant," Burke said. "I woke up that morning being just like, 'Well, I am not 21 anymore.'"

ZBiotics CEO Zack Abbott acknowledged these varying outcomes. "The more you'll have to deal with the effects of other things besides acetaldehyde," Abbott said via email. "That being said, for the vast majority of people, acetaldehyde is a major factor, and Pre-Alcohol therefore results in them feeling better (if not perfect) the next day."

Medical experts question the supplements' fundamental approach. Karsten Zengler, a microbiologist and professor of pediatrics and bioengineering at UC San Diego, explains that most alcohol processing occurs outside the intestines where probiotics operate. The bloodstream carries ethanol directly to the liver for breakdown by enzymes.

According to an article in the LA Time, Zengler said "There is not a lot of ethanol and acetaldehyde in your large intestine to start with." She continued to say that "the vast majority of the bacteria in your gut already metabolize acetaldehyde for you, so just adding something more might not do the trick."

Both companies cite research supporting their products. ZBiotics has conducted studies showing their bacteria break down acetaldehyde in laboratory-simulated gut conditions. They reference a 2006 study demonstrating reduced hangover-like symptoms in rats when acetaldehyde was removed after ethanol consumption.

Myrkl's research indicated their supplement lowered blood-alcohol levels in some participants, though the study required taking the supplement for seven days before drinking – contrary to the single-dose instructions on their packaging.

Joris C. Verster, founder of the Alcohol Hangover Research Group consortium and pharmacology professor at Utrecht University in the Netherlands, emphasizes the need for more rigorous testing. "Although there are many hangover products marketed, there is no convincing scientific evidence that these treatments are effective," Verster said. "Independent double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials in social drinkers are needed."

Dr. Daryl Davies, clinical pharmacy professor and director of the Alcohol and Brain Research Laboratory at USC Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, suggests heeding the body's natural warnings. "What I tend to tell people is if you are getting hangovers, you are drinking too much," Davies said. "It is the body trying to tell you that something is wrong."

The supplements, available online and in select retail locations, range from $25 to $35 per package. While consumer interest grows, experts maintain that moderate alcohol consumption remains the only proven method for preventing hangovers.