Researchers at Sun Yat-sen University in Guangzhou, Guangdong, China, are conducting research on hangovers. The results were published in the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) electronic journal Chemistry World. The study investigated what alcoholic beverages should be taken after drinking alcoholic beverages to minimize hangovers, and found that sprites are effective.

Is Sprite Effective for Hangovers?
Is Sprite Effective for Hangovers?

After being ingested by the human body, alcohol is decomposed into acetaldehyde by the action of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) in the liver. This acetaldehyde is the causative agent that causes the headaches associated with hangovers. Acetaldehyde is decomposed into acetate (acetic acid) by an enzyme called aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) and excreted from the body.

The two main goals of this study were to find ways to minimize the amount of time acetaldehyde stays in the human body and to find ways to activate ALDH.

Researchers have investigated 57 types of beverages that are said to be effective against hangovers. Among them is herbal tea, which has long been said to have a tremendous effect on hangovers in China. However, it was revealed that the herbal tea activated the action of ADH but weakened the action of the ALDH enzyme that decomposes acetaldehyde, and rather worsened the hangover.

On the other hand, the study also found that there are two of the 57 beverages that are thought to be effective in preventing hangovers by significantly activating the action of ALDH. The survey states:

"Hui yi su da shui (soda water sold in China) and Xue bi (sprite) are good beverages after drinking too much alcohol."