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Susceptibility to Alcohol Hangovers: The Association with Self-Reported Immune Status

Author

Listed:
  • Aurora J. A. E. Van de Loo

    (Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht University, 3584CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
    Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, 3584CM Utrecht, The Netherlands)

  • Marlou Mackus

    (Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht University, 3584CG Utrecht, The Netherlands)

  • Marith Van Schrojenstein Lantman

    (Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht University, 3584CG Utrecht, The Netherlands)

  • Aletta D. Kraneveld

    (Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht University, 3584CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
    Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, 3584CM Utrecht, The Netherlands)

  • Karel A. Brookhuis

    (Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Groningen University, 9712TS Groningen, The Netherlands)

  • Johan Garssen

    (Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht University, 3584CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
    Nutricia Research, 3584CT Utrecht, The Netherlands)

  • Andrew Scholey

    (Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, Swinburne University, Melbourne, VIC 3122, Australia)

  • Joris C. Verster

    (Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht University, 3584CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
    Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, 3584CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
    Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, Swinburne University, Melbourne, VIC 3122, Australia)

Abstract

Increasing evidence points at a role for the immune system in the genesis of the alcohol hangover. This study investigated the association between self-reported immune function and experiencing hangovers. Dutch students aged 18 to 30 years old were invited to complete an online survey. Eighteen items on immune-related complaints were completed to assess self-reported immune function. Alcohol consumption in the past month (with respect to usual consumption and the occasion of heaviest drinking) was also recorded. Subjects with an estimated blood alcohol concentration (eBAC) of 0.18% or higher on their heaviest drinking occasion in the prior month were included in the analyses. Self-reported immune function was compared between drinkers with a hangover and those who claimed to be hangover resistant. In total, of 481 subjects (79.2% women) with a mean (SD) age of 21.1 (1.9) years old were included in the analysis. Of these, 83.3% ( n = 400) reported having hangovers and 16.8% ( n = 81) claimed to be hangover resistant. Drinkers with hangovers had significantly higher self-reported overall immune function scores when compared to hangover-resistant drinkers (mean ± SD = 10.5 ± 3.6 versus 13.1 ± 4.9, p = 0.0001), indicating a poorer immune status. In conclusion, experiencing alcohol hangovers is associated with significantly poorer self-reported immune function.

Suggested Citation

  • Aurora J. A. E. Van de Loo & Marlou Mackus & Marith Van Schrojenstein Lantman & Aletta D. Kraneveld & Karel A. Brookhuis & Johan Garssen & Andrew Scholey & Joris C. Verster, 2018. "Susceptibility to Alcohol Hangovers: The Association with Self-Reported Immune Status," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(6), pages 1-8, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:15:y:2018:i:6:p:1286-:d:153052
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Marlou Mackus & Deborah De Kruijff & Leila S. Otten & Aletta D. Kraneveld & Johan Garssen & Joris C. Verster, 2017. "Differential Gender Effects in the Relationship between Perceived Immune Functioning and Autistic Traits," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(4), pages 1-6, April.
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    Cited by:

    1. Marlou Mackus & Aurora JAE van de Loo & Johan Garssen & Aletta D Kraneveld & Andrew Scholey & Joris C Verster, 2020. "The Association between Ethanol Elimination Rate and Hangover Severity," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(12), pages 1-9, June.
    2. Aurora J. A. E. van de Loo & Nikki Kerssemakers & Andrew Scholey & Johan Garssen & Aletta D. Kraneveld & Joris C. Verster, 2020. "Perceived Immune Fitness, Individual Strength and Hangover Severity," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(11), pages 1-8, June.

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