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 socio-economic burden. Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of hydrogen (H2) 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 hr, followed by drinking 100 ml of liquor (40% alcohol) within 10 min, and then pure water. Study group 2 inhaled a mixture of H2 and O2 gas for 1 hr, followed by drinking 100 ml of liquor within 10 min, and then H2 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 H2 group were significantly lower than those within the placebo group after 30 min, 60 min, and 90 min (P < 0.05). The H2 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; H2: 88.6% of symptoms absent, 10% of mild symptoms, 1.3% of moderate symptoms, 0% of severe symptoms; P < 0.001). H2 treatment improved cognitive testing scores (P < 0.05), including attention and executive functions. Furthermore, consumption of H2 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 H2 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 H2 decreases BrACs and relieves the symptoms of hangovers. This trial was registered at China Clinical Trial Registry as ChiCTR2200059988. URL of registration: http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=58359

Effects of acute moderate-intensity aerobic exercise on cognitive function in E-athletes: A randomized controlled trial

“…However, recently there has been a new approach to the test protocol regarding 1-time exercise, which is to conduct another acute test after an interval and to cross-swap the intervention methods of the 2 groups of subjects, which can more accurately reflect the effect of acute exercise and thus exclude the error caused by the sequence effect. [ 20 ] Therefore, in terms of the experimental method and the research objectives, this experiment has significantly improved and new exploration compared to previous studies, proving this study’s necessity.…”