A Novel Blend of Dietary Ingredients Mitigates Blood and Breath Ethanol Levels After Acute Alcohol Intake

Introduction: Various ingredients have been postulated to attenuate the cognitive and physiological effects of alcohol and next-day hangovers. However, few studies have focused on ingredients that may mitigate the acute effects of alcohol. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine if a novel blend of dietary ingredients would attenuate blood (BAC) and breath (BrAC) ethanol levels after acute alcohol ingestion. Methods: Thirty-five individuals participated in this double-blind, randomized, crossover clinical trial (&num;NCT06106620). Participants completed screening and two testing visits. During testing, participants consumed 100mL of alcohol immediately followed by either the supplement blend (SS) or a flavor-matched placebo (PL). BrAC, BAC, and biomarkers related to alcohol metabolism [acetaldehyde, alcohol dehydrogenase, aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH)] were made prior to and 30-, 45-, 60-, 90-, 120-, 180-, and 240-min post ingestion, whereas vital signs, urine volume, and subjective mood ratings were made prior to alcohol consumption and 60-, 120-, 180-, and 240-min post. Results: SS had lower BrAC during the entire post-consumption period (p ≤ 0.05, d = 0.57– 1.07) and lower BAC at 30-, 60-, and 180-min (p ≤ 0.05) post-consumption vs PL. SS had a lower (p ≤ 0.05) area under the curve (AUC, d = 0.71) and concentration maximum (Cmax, d = 0.58) for ethanol, and a higher AUC (d = 0.45, d = 0.54, respectively) and Cmax (d = 0.38, d = 0.47, respectively) than PL for acetaldehyde and ALDH levels. Urine output was greater in SS vs PL at 60-min post consumption (p < 0.001, d = 1.18). There were more favorable responses for SS vs PL [ie, less head discomfort (d = 0.47), less fatigue (d = 0.59), more energy (d = 0.48), less tiredness (d = 0.41), and better concentration (d = 0.41) (all p ≤ 0.05)]. There were no differences in nausea and thirst (p > 0.10). Discussion: Overall, SS was effective in reducing BrAC, BAC, and enhancing subjective mood ratings over a 4-hr post alcohol-consumption period vs PL. Thus, SS may mitigate the negative effects induced by acute alcohol intake. Keywords: alcohol metabolism, antioxidants, acetaldehyde, alcohol dehydrogenase, aldehyde dehydrogenase