Concerns›Liver & alcohol

Hangover

Check what applies to you and the best-matched supplements move to the top.

Nothing checked yetDefault order, by strength of evidence.

Bottom line

For hangover, start with Glutathione, Oral rehydration solution (ORS), Milk thistle. The first one to look at is Glutathione — 250–500 mg a day; When you start drinking (liposomal forms can be taken with or without food).

Supplements ranked for this concern

AWell researchedBSome evidenceCLimited evidence
#SupplementEvidenceWhenHow muchCaution
1 Glutathione
Used to help clear free radicals that build up from alcohol. Many people take it when they start drinking.
 B When you start drinking (liposomal forms can be taken with or without food) 250–500 mg a day It can cause stomach upset. Stop if you get a reaction such as breakouts or itching. Details
2 Oral rehydration solution (ORS)
Glucose and sodium help your body absorb water, so it may quickly ease dehydration, thirst and fogginess after drinking.
 B After drinking, when you feel dehydrated Mix with the amount of water on the label, 1–2 glasses a day Always use the right amount of water. If your gut is sensitive, cut back on products with sweeteners. Details
3 Milk thistle
A basic liver supplement that may help protect liver cells. A good pair with B vitamins if you drink often.
 B Split into 2–3 doses a day, after meals 200–400 mg a day (as silymarin) It increases bile flow, which can upset your stomach. Details
4 Vitamin B complex
Supports energy metabolism, so it may help you bounce back when fatigue lingers after drinking.
 C After breakfast or lunch 1 tablet with 20–50 mg of each main B vitamin (keep total B6 at 100 mg or less) High-potency products can upset your stomach or have a strong smell. Compare products
5 Digestive enzymes
Taken before bed after a night out, they may ease a rumbling gut and help your stomach feel lighter the next day.
 C Before bed, after drinking 1–2 capsules Don't take them on an empty stomach. If you take a blood thinner, talk to your doctor first. Compare products
6 Probiotics
For a hangover that hits your stomach, some people add a yeast probiotic such as Saccharomyces boulardii.
 C Before breakfast works well, or after meals if your stomach is sore 1 capsule of 5–10 billion CFU a day If you take immunosuppressants, talk to your doctor first. Compare products
7 Multivitamin
Covers vitamins and minerals that tend to run low when you drink often, all at once.
 C After meals Up to the recommended amount on the label Combined with separate B vitamin or zinc supplements, it's easy to take too much. Add up your totals. Compare products
8 Hovenia dulcis (Japanese raisin tree)
One of the few hangover ingredients with at least some data, so some people take it before drinking.
 C Before drinking As directed on the label Many of the studies were funded by manufacturers, so keep your expectations modest.

Medications to watch out for

If you take any medication, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting.

Blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin)Digestive enzymesSome enzymes are absorbed and may raise bleeding risk. Talk to your doctor before taking them.
ImmunosuppressantsProbioticsWith a weakened immune system, bacteria may pass into the blood. Talk to your doctor first.
AntibioticsProbioticsAntibiotics make bacterial probiotics less effective. Space them at least 2 hours apart. Yeast probiotics (Saccharomyces boulardii) are less affected.
Tamoxifen and estrogen medicinesMilk thistleMay affect how the drug is absorbed or your hormones. Talk to your doctor.
Being treated for an autoimmune diseaseGlutathioneSymptoms have gotten worse at high doses in some cases. Talk to your doctor.

Before supplements: daily habits

  1. 01Drink plenty of water between drinks to avoid dehydration.
  2. 02What helps depends on your hangover type: headache, nausea or heartburn.
  3. 03If heartburn is bad, an antacid or stomach medicine works faster than supplements.
  4. 04Tylenol (acetaminophen) taken with alcohol can strain your liver.
  5. 05Don't drink on an empty stomach, and eat at least a light breakfast the next morning.

Product comparison

ProductFormPer servingCountCost per day
Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamin) 2000 mcgBest value
Nutricost
 Methylcobalamin (active) capsule1 capsule: B12 2,000 mcg240 Low Amazon →
Methyl B-12 1000 mcg Lozenges
NOW Foods
 Methylcobalamin (active), dissolvable lozenge1 lozenge: B12 1,000 mcg (label 1–2)100 Low Amazon →
High Potency Vitamin B Complex 462mg
Nutricost
 Regular B vitamins + methyl B121 capsule: B1 60, B2 75, B6 50 mg, B12 1,000 mcg120 Low Amazon →
Super B Vitamin B Complex Sustained Release
Bronson
 Regular B vitamins, time-release tablet1 tablet: B1, B2, B6 50 mg each60 Average Amazon →
Coenzyme B-Complex with Methylfolate and B12
Country Life
 Coenzyme (active) B1, B2, B6 + methyl and adenosyl B121 capsule: B1, B2, B6 25 mg each, B12 250 mcg (label 1–2 capsules)240 Average Amazon →
Active B-Complex with Methylfolate
Integrative Therapeutics
 Active B2, B6, folate (Quatrefolic), B12 (methyl)1 capsule: B1, B2, B6 25 mg each, B12 500 mcg (label 1–2 capsules)60 Average Amazon →
B-Complex Plus
Pure Encapsulations
 Active B2, B6, folate (Metafolin), B12 (methyl)1 capsule: B1 100, B2 12.7, B6 16.7 mg (label 1–2 capsules)120 High Amazon →
High Strength Super B-Complex (Methylated & Active)
Igennus
 Active B2, B6, folate (5-MTHF), B12 (methyl), time-release tablet2 tablets: B1 40, B2 28, B6 40 mg, B12 1,800 mcg180 High Amazon →

Compare all Vitamin B complex products →

Cost per day is relative — compared with other products of the same supplement. Check Amazon for the current price. Some links are affiliate links.

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