In Case You Haven't Heard…

Abstract

No more illegal unapproved “hangover cures,” says the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Last week, it sent warning letters to seven companies selling unapproved products labeled as dietary supplements that claim to cure, treat, mitigate or prevent hangovers. The warning letters were issued to: Double Wood LLC, Ebnsol Inc., Vita Heaven LLC (doing business as Hangover Heaven), Happy Hour Vitamins, LES Labs, Mind, Body & Coal LLC and Purple Biosciences LLC. “Dietary supplements that claim to cure, treat, mitigate or prevent hangovers could potentially harm consumers, especially young adults,” said Steven Tave, director of the FDA's Office of Dietary Supplement Programs. “Consumers may get the false impression that using these products can prevent or mitigate health problems caused by excessive drinking. Dietary supplements are not a substitute for responsibly limiting one's alcohol consumption.” The FDA urges consumers to be “cautious of products marketed and sold online with unproven claims to prevent, treat, mitigate or cure diseases,” and advises them to talk to their doctors. That's a good idea. However, we are trying to imagine the scenario in which a 20‐something goes to a doctor to ask for a good hangover cure. Or someone of any age. The FDA stopped short of recommending that people drink less, eat before or with drinking, or — heaven forbid — not drink at all.