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Dr Gérald Kierzek (Medical Director of Doctissimo)
A new food supplement called Alcoool (with three O’s) and sold in pharmacies aims to prevent hangovers to better enjoy your alcoholic evenings. Problem: no proof of effectiveness is known to date, announces our medical director, Dr. Gérald Kierzek.
Go out, drink and not suffer the consequences. This in a few words is the promise of Alcoool, a new food supplement invented by two business school students, sold in particular in pharmacies. And the argument directly targets young festive people: by drinking a vial of this magic potion, “You enjoy your evening and you wake up in great shape and beauty” indicates Nonna Lab, the parent company of Alcoool in an Instagram post. But what is this formula really worth? In an article last Friday UFC-Que Choisir exposes strong doubts about the real benefits of the composition of the product.
An argument more marketing than scientific
Thus, the main substance highlighted in this supplement is the nashi pear which claims to prevent hangovers thanks to its liver enzymes. Beyond the manufacturer’s arguments, this property is not supported by scientific studies, and Nonna Lab has not carried out clinical trials to demonstrate the effectiveness of this ingredient. “To claim any effect on health, you must refer to a European register, which lists the authorized claims. However, it is impossible to find the slightest mention of the nashi pear. also mentions the site Capital who looked into the subject.
For our medical director, Dr. Gérald Kierzek, this is a product that is much more marketing than scientific.
“You should know that there is no cure for a hangover since veisalgia (the scientific name for a hangover) is linked to dehydration. This is not a medicine but a food supplement with magnesium, vitamins and nashi pear. And like all supplements, there is no need for a clinical trial, nor therefore for proof of effectiveness. It’s more of a well-orchestrated marketing stunt, at the right time, which also benefits from a sale in pharmacies. It’s clever but it’s false advertising.” he indicates.
A highlight in problematic pharmacy
Sale in pharmacies is also a problem, reacts UFC magazine. Because according to the experts interviewed, this encourages excessive alcohol consumption.
“If we project ourselves as having a solution to the hangoverwe risk abusing alcohol instead of managing our consumption”, underlines Dr. Géraldine Talbot, addictologist. Focusing solely on the elimination of alcohol by the liver also neglects other harmful effects on the brain in particular.
“Offering it in pharmacies gives it a certain guarantee, analyzes Guylaine Benech, consultant-trainer in addictive behavior and prevention. Subconsciously, clients may draw parallels with medications.”
Communication that should change
Finally, the product is offered via festive communication, also out of step with a message of prevention which is expected in the face of the dangers of alcohol. Old Nonna Lab publications suggest mixing the supplement with alcohol, or making a Happy February (read alcoholic) rather than Dry January. An irresponsible message for the experts.
Contacted by the consumer defense association, Dorian Barberan, general manager of Nonna Lab, declared that the company intended to review its strategy in 2024 to adopt a “cmore serious communication aiming to establish our credibility”.
Santé Publique France recommends not exceeding more than 10 standard glasses of alcohol per week and no more than 2 standard glasses per day (around 20 grams of alcohol), as well as not drinking alcohol for at least two days in the week.
The best way to avoid a hangover is still to drink less and hydrate well the next day…
Slide: 10 effective hangover remedies: natural tips!