Understanding the Claims: Why is Sprite good for hangovers?

October 5, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2013 Chinese laboratory study published in Food & Function, Sprite was found to accelerate the metabolism of a toxic alcohol byproduct, leading to popular claims that the soft drink was a hangover cure. This research has since led many to question, 'Why is Sprite good for hangovers?'.

Quick Summary

A 2013 lab study suggested Sprite might help metabolize acetaldehyde, a toxic alcohol byproduct, potentially easing hangover symptoms. The findings were not tested on humans, and its overall effectiveness as a reliable remedy remains anecdotal.

Key Points

The 2013 Study: A lab-based study found Sprite increased the activity of an enzyme (ALDH) that breaks down a toxic alcohol byproduct (acetaldehyde).
Acetaldehyde is Toxic: The buildup of acetaldehyde in the body is linked to many unpleasant hangover symptoms like nausea and headaches.
No Human Evidence: The study was conducted in a test tube, not on humans, meaning the effects on a real person's hangover symptoms are unproven and speculative.
Other Factors are Crucial: Hangovers are also caused by dehydration, inflammation, and electrolyte imbalance, which Sprite does not fully address.
Hydration and Rest are Key: The most reliable remedies for a hangover are consuming plenty of water, eating bland food, and getting adequate rest.
The 'Cure' is Primarily Hydration: Any benefits from Sprite are likely from its fluid and sugar content, offering limited and temporary relief compared to water or sports drinks.

The Science Behind the Claim

The belief that Sprite can help with hangovers originated from a 2013 study conducted by researchers at Sun Yat-Sen University in Guangzhou, China. The study was an in vitro (in a test tube) experiment designed to measure the effects of 57 different beverages on the key enzymes involved in alcohol metabolism.

The Role of Acetaldehyde

When we consume alcohol, our liver breaks it down in a two-step process. First, an enzyme called alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) converts ethanol into a highly toxic compound called acetaldehyde. This chemical is responsible for many of the classic hangover symptoms, such as headaches, nausea, and general discomfort. Next, a second enzyme, aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), works to break down the acetaldehyde into the far less harmful acetate, which is then eliminated by the body.

The Chinese researchers theorized that by speeding up the second step—the conversion of acetaldehyde to acetate—they could reduce the duration of a person's exposure to the toxic substance and, consequently, reduce the severity of their hangover.

The 2013 Chinese Study

In their experiment, the researchers found that Sprite, or its Chinese equivalent Xue bi, significantly increased the activity of the ALDH enzyme. Other drinks, particularly some herbal teas, were found to have the opposite effect, actually slowing down the process. The findings led to widespread media reports touting Sprite as the best hangover remedy. The study suggested that certain ingredients in the soft drink, potentially including the amino acid taurine, could enhance ALDH activity.

The Limitations of the 'Sprite Cure'

While the 2013 study provided an interesting insight into alcohol metabolism, it did not prove that drinking Sprite cures a hangover in humans. Several critical issues limit the real-world applicability of its findings:

No Human Subjects: The experiment was conducted in a laboratory, not on actual people. The conditions inside a test tube do not perfectly replicate the complex biological processes of the human body. What works on a cellular level in a lab setting does not guarantee the same effect in a living organism.
Anecdotal Evidence: Any perceived relief from drinking Sprite is more likely due to other, more established factors than a magic cure-all effect.
Focus on a Single Factor: Hangovers are caused by a combination of factors, not just acetaldehyde accumulation. Sprite's potential effect on one small aspect of alcohol metabolism ignores the broader causes of hangover misery.

Factors That Actually Contribute to Hangovers

Understanding the various culprits behind a hangover demonstrates why a single soft drink is unlikely to be a complete solution. Effective remedies must address these multiple issues.

Dehydration

Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it causes the body to lose more fluid than it takes in. This dehydration is a primary cause of classic hangover symptoms like headache, fatigue, and dry mouth. Drinking any non-alcoholic fluid, including Sprite, can help rehydrate the body, but water remains the best choice.

Inflammation and Sleep Disruption

Excessive alcohol consumption can trigger an inflammatory response in the body, which can contribute to the general feeling of being unwell. Furthermore, while alcohol may help you fall asleep faster, it disrupts the quality of your sleep, leading to fatigue and poor concentration the next day.

Electrolyte Imbalance

Alcohol depletes the body of essential electrolytes, such as potassium and sodium, which are crucial for nerve and muscle function. This imbalance can contribute to fatigue, dizziness, and muscle aches. Sprite is not a significant source of these electrolytes.

A Comparison of Hangover Remedies

To illustrate why Sprite is not a superior remedy, here is a comparison with other approaches based on their effectiveness in addressing the key hangover causes.


Feature	Sprite	Water/Hydration	Sports Drinks	Rest/Sleep
Addresses Acetaldehyde Metabolism?	Potentially, per lab study, but unproven in humans.	No evidence.	No evidence.	Not directly.
Rehydrates the Body?	Yes, provides fluid, but sugar content may not be ideal.	Yes, the best method for rehydration.	Yes, formulated for effective rehydration.	Indirectly, as the body can recover and rebalance fluids.
Restores Electrolytes?	Contains sodium, but minimal.	No, requires food or other drinks.	Yes, contains sodium and potassium.	No.
Provides Energy Boost?	Yes, from sugar content.	No, but prevents dehydration-related fatigue.	Yes, from sugar and electrolytes.	Yes, allows the body to fully recover.
Addresses Inflammation?	No.	No.	No.	Yes, allows body to repair.
Effect on Nausea?	May help settle stomach temporarily, but sugar can worsen it.	Can soothe the stomach.	Can soothe the stomach.	N/A

The Bottom Line: Can Sprite Really Help?

While a 2013 lab study showed that Sprite could potentially speed up the metabolic breakdown of acetaldehyde, this finding was never proven in human trials. Therefore, relying on Sprite as a reliable hangover cure is unfounded. Any relief experienced is likely due to the simple act of rehydrating and consuming some sugar, which can be achieved more effectively and healthily with water and other options.

For a true recovery, the best approach is to address the multifaceted nature of a hangover: rehydrate with plain water, replenish electrolytes with a balanced meal or sports drink, get plenty of rest, and address any nausea with bland foods or ginger. In the end, the most effective 'cure' is always prevention.

Conclusion

The myth of Sprite as a miracle hangover cure stems from a preliminary, non-human study that was widely sensationalized. While the drink might offer some temporary comfort by providing hydration and sugar, it does not tackle the root causes of a hangover in a comprehensive way. True recovery requires rehydration, rest, and time. Consumers should rely on scientifically proven methods for recovery rather than an unverified shortcut. The best way to avoid a hangover is to drink responsibly and stay hydrated throughout the night.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, there is no scientific proof that Sprite cures hangovers. The claim is based on a 2013 Chinese lab study that observed Sprite speeding up alcohol metabolism in test tubes, not in human subjects.

According to the lab study, Sprite was found to increase the activity of the enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), which helps convert the toxic acetaldehyde byproduct of alcohol into less harmful acetate more quickly.

The main limitation is that the study was conducted in a lab setting, not on humans, and cannot prove the same results would occur in a living person. It also only focused on one aspect of a hangover, ignoring others like dehydration.

No, water is a superior choice for rehydration, which is a primary cause of hangover symptoms. While Sprite provides fluid and sugar, its high sugar content can sometimes worsen nausea.

Acetaldehyde is a toxic chemical byproduct created when the liver metabolizes alcohol. It is believed to be the primary cause of many unpleasant hangover symptoms like headaches and nausea.

More effective remedies include drinking plenty of water, consuming sports drinks to replace lost electrolytes, eating bland, starchy foods to stabilize blood sugar, and getting sufficient rest.

While some people find that carbonated beverages help settle an upset stomach, Sprite's high sugar content may also exacerbate nausea in some cases. Ginger tea or bland foods are often more reliable for nausea relief.