“World-first” hangover supplement may help prevent alcohol-related liver and organ damage
The hangover supplement launched in the UK this week to much fanfare – thanks to “the huge number of moderate drinkers” in the region - and is potentially “game-changing”, according to Myrkl CEO, Håkan Magnusson.
He proclaims this is “the first product in history to break down alcohol effectively”, following study findings that indicate Myrkl decreases blood alcohol levels by half within 30 minutes of alcohol consumption and by up to 70% after an hour.
Magnusson said: “Independent clinical trials prove just how powerful this product is at breaking down alcohol.”
A recent study carried out by the Pfützner Science & Health Institute and funded by the DeFaire Medical Institute (DFM) noted the supplement promoted gut lactobacillus associated with reduced markets of intestinal and liver oxidative stress and inflammation, and effectively metabolised ethyl alcohol into carbon dioxide and water to reduce resorption of alcohol from the intestinal tract.
This process normalised the barrier function of intestinal mucosa and resulted in less alcohol absorption, the authors note.
Decades in development
Myrkl is the flagship commercial launch of Swedish probiotics developer, DFM, and the culmination of 30 years research & development (R&D).
The hangover supplement combines key ingredients that restore equilibrium and build resistance to prevent undesirable symptoms.
Hangovers are usually caused by ethanol, which is broken down in the liver and produces the toxic by-product acetic acid that triggers hangover symptoms, such as dehydration, headaches, and nausea.
However, the active ingredients in Myrkl accelerate the breakdown of alcohol to inhibit absorption in the blood stream and ward off hangover symptoms.
The proprietary formula comprises fermented rice bran (abundant in antioxidants and anti-inflammatories) that stimulates propagation of gut bacillus subtilius and bacillus coagulan, which catalyses the ethanol before it reaches the liver.
It also contains L-cysteine (an amino acid found in protein rich foods) that replenishes depleted antioxidants (including glutathione) and facilitates tissue building and repair, and vitamin B12 that provides immune support and boosts energy levels.
Target audience
Middle-aged men and “especially women” are among the target audience, however the pill is not made for consumers who want to get drunk or drink to excess and must “never be an excuse to drink more alcohol”, says Myrkl co-owner, Frederic Fernandez.
“We have a very clear stance on alcohol. Alcohol is harmful for health, even from the first glass. No one should ever drink (no matter the quantity) and drive.
He maintains the purpose of Myrkl is to help regular moderate drinkers “to wake up feeling their best the next day, whether they’re a busy working professional, young parents, or seniors who want to maintain an active social life”.
He adds that taking the pill will make it much more difficult (longer and more expensive) to get drunk.
Availability
DFM recommends taking two Myrkl tablets between one to 12 hours before consuming alcohol.
The product is currently only available through the brand website, for sale in the UK and other selected EU countries (Ireland, France, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Italy and Nordic countries), however it will eventually expand into retail, including pharmacies “when the right moment comes”.
Myrkl has said the supplement will launch in the US and Canada at the end of the 2022 and in Asia at the beginning of 2023.
The supplement is 100% natural and vegan. Tablets are encapsulated in hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and contain microcrystalline cellulose, emulsifiers (magnesium stearate and silicon dioxide) and dextrin, as well as the key active ingredients.
All ingredients are authorised and recognised as safe by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the US Food Drug Administration (FDA).
