Hydrogen intake relieves alcohol consumption and hangover symptoms in healthy adults: a randomized and placebo-controlled crossover study

Abstract

Background: Alcohol-induced hangover represents a significant, yet understudied, global hazard and a large socioeconomic burden. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of hydrogen on relieving drinking and hangover symptoms in 20 healthy volunteers. Methods: In this pilot, randomized, double-blinded, placebo- controlled, matched, crossover interventional trial, participants were matched into pairs and randomly assigned. Study group 1 inhaled placebo air for 1 h, followed by drinking 100 mL liquor (40% alcohol) within 10 min, and then pure water. Study group 2 inhaled a mixture of hydrogen and oxygen gas for 1 h, followed by drinking 100 mL liquor within 10 min, and then hydrogen dissolved in water. On a second intervention day (crossover) ≥1 wk later, study- group subjects were switched to the opposite order. Breath alcohol concentration (BrAC), hangover severity, and cognitive scores were measured. Results: The BrACs within the hydrogen group were significantly lower than those within the placebo group after 30 min, 60 min, and 90 min (P < 0.05). The hydrogen group reported having fewer hangover symptoms compared with the placebo group (placebo: 77% of symptoms absent, 19.7% of mild symptoms, 2.7% of moderate symptoms, 0.7% of severe symptoms; hydrogen: 88.6% of symptoms absent, 10% of mild symptoms, 1.3% of moderate symptoms, 0% of severe symptoms; P < 0.001). Hydrogen treatment improved cognitive testing scores (P < 0.05), including attention and executive functions. Furthermore, consumption of hydrogen was negatively (β = −13.016; 95% CI: −17.726, −8.305; P < 0.001) and female sex was positively (β = 22.611; 95% CI: 16.226, 28.997; P < 0.001) correlated with increased BrACs. Likewise, the consumption of hydrogen was negatively (OR: 0.035; 95% CI: 0.007, 0.168; P < 0.001) while female sex was positively (OR: 28.838; 95% CI: 5.961, 139.506; P < 0.001) correlated with the severity of hangover symptoms. Conclusions: Hydrogen decreases BrACs and relieves the symptoms of hangovers. This trial was registered at the China Clinical Trial Registry (http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=58359) as ChiCTR2200059988. Am J Clin Nutr 2022;116:1208–1218.

Study details

Article type

Original Research

Disease / injury model

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of hydrogen on relieving drinking and hangover symptoms

Duration

2 days

Dose-dependent effect

No

Outcome

Positive

Findings

Treatment with hydrogen significantly reduced breath alcohol levels, and improved attention and executive functions after alcohol consumption in the short term, and it relieved a variety of hangover symptoms in the long term. The use of hydrogen and sex difference correlated with BrAC and hangover symptoms.