Does Sprite Help Digest Alcohol: Separating Fact from Fiction

November 13, 2025 •

4 min read

In 2013, a Chinese laboratory study gained widespread attention for suggesting that Sprite could help metabolize alcohol's toxic byproduct, acetaldehyde, faster than other drinks. This news quickly created a myth that Sprite could help digest alcohol and act as a viable hangover cure, despite the study's in-vitro, non-human testing.

Quick Summary

A viral study suggested Sprite could speed up the breakdown of a toxic alcohol byproduct, acetaldehyde. This was based on lab tests, not human trials. While Sprite may offer temporary hydration and sugar, there is no solid scientific evidence it helps digest alcohol or cures a hangover effectively. Its carbonation may even speed up initial alcohol absorption.

Key Points

In-Vitro Study: The claim that Sprite helps digest alcohol originated from a 2013 Chinese lab study, not human trials.
Acetaldehyde Breakdown: The study showed Sprite boosted a liver enzyme (ALDH) that breaks down toxic acetaldehyde, a byproduct of alcohol.
Carbonation's Effect: Carbonation in Sprite and other sodas can actually speed up initial alcohol absorption into the bloodstream.
Hydration and Sugar: Any benefits from drinking Sprite are more likely from its hydrating properties and sugar content, which provide a mild energy boost.
No Proven Cure: There is no reliable scientific evidence that Sprite or any other drink can cure a hangover.
Real Remedies: The most effective strategies for recovery include drinking water, resting, eating bland foods, and replacing lost electrolytes.

The Science Behind Alcohol Metabolism

When you consume alcohol, your body breaks it down in a two-step process primarily in the liver. First, an enzyme called alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) converts the ethanol into acetaldehyde, a toxic compound. Acetaldehyde is responsible for many of the unpleasant symptoms of a hangover. Next, another enzyme, aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), breaks down the acetaldehyde into harmless acetate. Your body's ability to process alcohol and its byproducts is influenced by many factors, including genetics, body mass, and overall health.

The 2013 Chinese Study and the Sprite Theory

The popular belief that Sprite helps digest alcohol stems from a 2013 study conducted by researchers at Sun Yat-Sen University in Guangzhou, China. They tested 57 different beverages, including herbal teas, infusions, and sodas, to see how they affected ADH and ALDH enzyme activity in a laboratory setting. The researchers discovered that Sprite (or its Chinese equivalent, Xue Bi) significantly sped up the activity of the ALDH enzyme, theoretically reducing the time the body is exposed to toxic acetaldehyde. However, several crucial points were overlooked in the widespread media coverage that followed:

Lab-Based Findings: The study was conducted on enzymes in test tubes (in-vitro), not in living human subjects. The findings do not necessarily translate to a real-world effect in the human body.
No Hangover Cure Proven: The study showed enhanced enzyme activity, not an improvement in hangover symptoms. Many other factors contribute to a hangover, such as dehydration, inflammation, and poor sleep.
Inconclusive Evidence: While the findings were intriguing, the researchers themselves stressed that more research was needed to confirm if the results translated to humans.

Carbonation's Double-Edged Sword

While the 2013 study focused on potential metabolic effects, other research on carbonated beverages reveals a different dynamic. In fact, mixing alcohol with carbonated drinks like Sprite can actually cause the body to absorb alcohol faster.

Here's why:

Faster Gastric Emptying: The carbon dioxide bubbles in fizzy drinks increase pressure in the stomach, forcing the contents to move more quickly into the small intestine.
Rapid Absorption: Most alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream from the small intestine. By speeding up gastric emptying, carbonation can lead to a quicker rise in blood alcohol content (BAC).

This means that drinking a vodka-Sprite might make you feel the effects of alcohol more rapidly, rather than helping you digest it. While the initial effects may be faster, the overall duration of intoxication isn't necessarily longer.

How Sprite Actually Impacts Post-Drinking Recovery

So, if Sprite isn't a proven cure, why do some people feel better after drinking it? The benefits are likely indirect and relate to general hydration and sugar intake, not specific alcohol digestion:

Hydration: Sprite is a fluid and can help rehydrate the body, especially after a night of heavy drinking, as alcohol is a diuretic that causes dehydration.
Sugar Boost: The sugar in regular Sprite can provide a quick energy boost and help stabilize low blood sugar, which can contribute to hangover fatigue.
Settling the Stomach: For some, the sweetness and carbonation may offer a placebo effect or help settle a mildly upset stomach, much like ginger ale is traditionally used.

Comparison of Hangover Remedies


Remedy	Proposed Mechanism	Scientific Evidence	Key Takeaway
Sprite	Speeds up acetaldehyde breakdown (in-vitro)	Based on a non-human lab study; not proven in humans	Hydration and sugar may help, but not a proven cure
Water	Rehydrates the body and helps flush out toxins	Strongly supported; dehydration is a major hangover cause	Essential for recovery; drink between alcoholic beverages
Electrolyte Drinks	Replaces lost electrolytes (e.g., sodium, potassium)	Supported; alcohol consumption depletes electrolytes	Effective for replenishing minerals lost due to dehydration
Bland Foods	Stabilizes blood sugar and soothes the stomach	Supported; low blood sugar contributes to fatigue and nausea	Examples: Toast, rice, bananas can help settle the stomach
Time and Rest	Allows the body's natural metabolic processes to complete	Most effective remedy; only time eliminates alcohol from the body	A necessary component of recovery; sleep helps repair the body

Effective Strategies for Alcohol Recovery

To actually aid your body after drinking, focus on strategies that are supported by real evidence. Here are some of the most effective approaches:

Prioritize Hydration: Drink plenty of water before, during, and after consuming alcohol to combat dehydration.
Replenish Electrolytes: Consume foods or drinks rich in electrolytes, like coconut water, bananas, or sports drinks, to restore balance.
Eat Beforehand: Consuming a meal, especially one with protein and fat, slows down alcohol absorption and reduces its peak concentration.
Get Adequate Rest: Sleep is crucial for your body to repair itself and for the liver to process toxins.
Avoid Certain Foods: Stay away from fatty or acidic foods that might upset a sensitive stomach.
Moderation is Key: The best and most proven way to avoid a hangover is to drink in moderation.

Conclusion: No Magic Bullet for Alcohol Digestion

The belief that Sprite helps digest alcohol is a common myth, largely fueled by misinterpretations of a 2013 laboratory study. While Sprite can offer temporary relief through hydration and sugar, it is not a proven hangover cure and does not significantly speed up the overall digestion of alcohol. In fact, its carbonation may cause alcohol to be absorbed faster, increasing intoxication initially. The most reliable methods for recovering from alcohol consumption are time, proper hydration, replenishing electrolytes, and getting enough rest. For those seeking scientifically-backed information on alcohol metabolism, authoritative sources like the National Institutes of Health provide robust data. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17720590/

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Sprite is not a scientifically proven cure for hangovers. The belief comes from a 2013 lab study that was not conducted on humans, and its results do not confirm any noticeable effect on hangover symptoms.

Carbonation can speed up alcohol absorption. The bubbles increase pressure in the stomach, which can cause the stomach to empty its contents, including alcohol, into the small intestine faster where it is absorbed more rapidly.

Acetaldehyde is a toxic chemical byproduct created when the liver first breaks down alcohol. The buildup of acetaldehyde is believed to be a major contributor to hangover symptoms such as nausea and headaches.

The most effective remedies for a hangover are time and rest. Additionally, hydrating with water, replenishing electrolytes, and eating bland foods can help manage symptoms.

While Sprite's hydration and sugar content can provide minor, temporary relief from dehydration and low blood sugar, these effects are not unique to Sprite and do not address the root causes of a hangover.

Yes, it is safe to drink Sprite with alcohol in moderation. However, be aware that mixing alcohol with carbonated beverages might cause alcohol to be absorbed into your bloodstream faster, potentially making you feel the effects sooner.

The 2013 study that made Sprite famous also found that certain drinks, particularly some herbal teas, actually inhibited the liver enzymes and slowed down alcohol metabolism.