Anti-Alcohol Complex from Life Extension (Fort Lauderdale, FL) is a multi-ingredient approach for supporting healthy liver function, detoxification and alcohol metabolism.
The formula contains ingredients that were chosen to neutralize alcohol metabolites while providing detoxification support when drinking in moderation or for general liver health, according to Vanessa Pavey, ND, education scientist at Life Extension.
The formula contains heavy-hitting antioxidants, such as reduced glutathione, N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) and silymarin from milk thistle seeds. Pavey explained glutathione is one of the body’s most important antioxidants that plays a key role in alcohol detoxification, NAC supports glutathione levels and silymarin supports natural detoxification processes.
“We also included grape seed extract, barley grass and trans-resveratrol to help protect the liver from oxidative stress and to help neutralize potentially harmful xenobiotics and alcohol metabolites,” Pavey said. “Chlorophyllin is a water-soluble form of chlorophyll, and chlorophyllin along with vitamin E, can help protect the integrity of the DNA. Selenium is also needed for healthy DNA function.”
According to Pavey, alcohol consumption can deplete both vitamin C and vitamin B1 (thiamine) in the body, so Life Extension added 1,000 mg of vitamin C and 100 mg of thiamin to replenish these vitamins in the five-capsule serving size.
“Benfotiamine is a fat-soluble form of thiamine and helps guard against the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) that can damage our tissues,” Pavey said.
The final ingredient in the formulation is a water-soluble and standardized polyphenolic extract of clove buds. This extract assists the body in metabolizing ethanol and aids in normal detoxification of acetaldehyde, according to Pavey. When drinking in moderation, water-soluble clove extract can help support the liver and reduce hangover risk.
In a randomized, double-blind, crossover study, 16 healthy male social drinkers between 25 and 55 years old received a single 250 mg dose of clove extract (or a placebo) followed by the equivalent of six shots of spirits (240 mL of 40 percent alcohol). Blood samples were taken at 30 minutes, two hours, four hours and 12 hours after consuming the alcohol.
“The results showed faster elimination of the alcohol metabolite, acetaldehyde, in the clove group compared to the placebo,” Pavey said. “In addition, the group that received the clove extract has a 55 percent reduction in hangover severity scores compared to the placebo group.”
For more information, visit www.lifeextension.com.
