Available for sale online in France, the Myrkl anti-hangover pill is said to be a “revolutionary product” which breaks down alcohol in the gut before it reaches the liver and reduces alcohol levels in the blood by 70% in one hour. In other words, goodbye to nausea, headaches or other stomach aches after (too) drunken evenings. Professor Patrick Dallemand nevertheless remains skeptical.
Top Santé: Can this pill really eliminate the presence of alcohol in the body?
Professor Patrick Dallemand: This anti-hangover pill is actually a food supplement based on bacteria, which will break down alcohol in the body. Theoretically, it is indeed possible that bacteria accelerate the transformation of alcohol into water and carbon dioxide. Like all food supplements, it can be useful but must nevertheless be the subject of special attention.
What are the limitations of this anti-hangover pill?
First, the publication to which the site that markets this pill refers does not in any way prove the effectiveness of the latter. It was financed by the company De Faire (which produces the Myrkl pill) and its owner is even one of the authors of the study, which is not very rigorous.
Moreover, it was performed on a ridiculous number of patients. Only 14 people were included in the clinical evaluation. The trial initially involved 24 people, but for 10 of them, the alcohol consumed was not detectable in the blood.
Finally, if it promises to limit the effects of a hangover, it has little effect on plasma concentration and in exhaled air. That is to say, if you have to blow into a balloon, you risk being beyond the limits set.
Does it pose any health risks?
This anti-hangover pill does not, in itself, pose a toxic risk to health. Nevertheless, it can lead those who take it before drinking to adopt dangerous behaviors. What we all fear is an increase in alcohol consumption. But this pill cannot be used as an alibi to drink more at events or even on a daily basis.
There are also contraindications to taking this pill to keep in mind, especially in people suffering in particular from kidney failure, due to the presence of L-cysteine in the composition which are amino acids.
Source :
- Interview with Professor Dallemand, November 8, 2022
