Scientists: Sprite the best hangover cure

Carbonated lemon-lime drink quickly breaks down a metabolite of ethanol

Feeling the pain after a night out on the town? Reach for some Sprite, according to a new study.

A team of Chinese scientists say the carbonated lemon-lime drink showed a markedly positive effect on hangover symptoms compared to more common remedies like herbal tea, which actually made them worse.

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According to the study, Sprite does the trick because of its ability to break down acetaldehyde, a metabolite of ethanol.

Scientists tested 57 different beverages, including various teas and carbonated drinks. Some were found to have the opposite effect and actually worsened alcohol-related symptoms like headache, nausea and fatigue.

Edzard Ernst, a medical expert at the University of Exeter in Britain, told Chemistry World that while the study was intriguing, people shouldn't start stocking up on Sprite before a night out.

"These results are a reminder that herbal and other supplements can have pharmacological activities that can both harm and benefit our health," he said.