According to the researchers from the University of Helsinki and the University of Eastern Finland doses of 1,200 milligrams of the amino acid L-cysteine was found to reduce alcohol-related nauseous and headache, and doses of 600 mg helped to alleviate stress and anxiety.
19 healthy male participants were involved in the double-blind randomized study who consumed 1.5 grams of alcohol per kilogram over a 3 hour period in a controlled setting, who were then asked to either take a placebo or L-cysteine tablets containing vitamin supplements. In addition to reducing or even eliminating hangovers, the researchers say that L-cysteine also helps to “reduce the need of drinking the next day,” thereby cutting the risk of alcohol addiction.
Binge drinking is rather common around the globe, and in Finland, more than half a million Finns are considered to be at risk from excessive drinking.
The study was not without difficulties such as some participants not being able to consume the required amount of alcohol being excluded, some having high tolerance levels experiencing no hangover symptoms, and some being excluded as they insisted on topping up by going to a bar. Additionally, this study was funded by Catapult Cat Oy, which sells the supplements.
Obviously no cure is better than prevention. One could just know their limits and stick within them, limit the amount a person drinks, enjoy in moderation, or just not drink at all to avoid having a hangover. To those that are going to drink, please be responsible about it.
