Limited evidenceGeneral health

Hangover Formulas

Capsules and shots combining dihydromyricetin, N-acetylcysteine, electrolytes, B vitamins and herbal extracts. Two systematic reviews of hangover interventions reached the same conclusion: the trials are small and poor, and no product has convincing evidence.

Evidence last reviewed: August 2026

What the science says

Overall hangover relief Limited evidence
A systematic review of randomised placebo-controlled trials of pharmacologically active hangover interventions found low-quality studies, small samples and inconsistent outcome measures, with no intervention showing reliable benefit. An earlier BMJ systematic review had already concluded there is no compelling evidence that any conventional or complementary intervention works.
Dihydromyricetin (DHM) Limited evidence
A 2026 systematic review of dihydromyricetin for alcohol-attributed conditions found the human literature preliminary, with few controlled trials and much of the mechanism work in rodents. Most consumer evidence for DHM comes from observational or manufacturer-run studies.
Electrolytes and B vitamins Limited evidence
Rehydration and micronutrients treat plausible contributors to hangover, but trials have not shown that supplementing them reduces hangover severity beyond drinking water. No randomised evidence supports the specific blends sold.

Dosage & safety

Studied doseNo validated regimen. Products are typically taken before, during or after drinking; DHM-containing products supply roughly 300–1,200 mg. Drinking less alcohol remains the only intervention with a reliable effect size.

SafetyThe largest risk is behavioural — believing a product protects you can lead to drinking more, which is the actual harm. Products containing N-acetylcysteine or high-dose niacin can cause GI upset and flushing. Some blends contain kudzu or milk thistle with limited liver-safety data. These products do not reduce blood alcohol, do not make driving safe, and do not protect the liver.

Scientific references

The efficacy and tolerability of pharmacologically active interventions for alcohol-induced hangover symptomatology: a systematic review of the evidence from randomised placebo-controlled trials
Roberts E, Smith R, Hotopf M — Addiction, 2022
Interventions for preventing or treating alcohol hangover: systematic review of randomised controlled trials
Pittler MH, Verster JC, Ernst E — BMJ, 2005
Therapeutic Effects of Dihydromyricetin on Wholly Alcohol-Attributed Conditions: A Systematic Review
Skinner SG, Matcha S, Davies DL — Nutrients, 2026

Where to buy

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