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What Are the Best Vitamins for a Hangover?

Valerie Goldberg
Valerie Goldberg

A night of drinking beer, wine or hard liquor can cause a person to have a hangover the next morning. A person who has a hangover might feel lousy because of dehydration, headache, body aches and other symptoms. Taking vitamins for a hangover can be one way to help a person get over a hangover more swiftly. Vitamins can also be used to prevent hangovers. Some of the best vitamins for a hangover include vitamin B complex and vitamin C.

Vitamin C can help the liver process alcohol better. Taking a vitamin C tablet before or after a night of drinking can help a person who has a hangover. Consuming vitamins for a hangover should be done in moderation. A person should not consume more vitamin C tablets daily than what is directed on the package, or it might result in diarrhea or gas pains. Drinking a vitamin C-rich beverage such as orange juice the day after drinking liquor can also help replenish a person's body.

Rich in Vitamin C, a glass of orange juice can help ease symptoms of a hangover.
Rich in Vitamin C, a glass of orange juice can help ease symptoms of a hangover.

A person with a hangover may also respond well to vitamin B complex tablets. Vitamin B complex is an immune system booster, so it can help a person get over the lethargic feeling that comes along with a hangover. Taking vitamin B complex before going to bed can help a person who has had too much to drink wake up feeling better in the morning. If a person knows that he or she plans on drinking a lot of alcohol at a bar or a party, taking vitamin B in advance might also help prevent hangover symptoms.

Though vitamins and supplements can help relieve hangovers, water is necessary for curing them.
Though vitamins and supplements can help relieve hangovers, water is necessary for curing them.

Although taking vitamins for a hangover is one way to reduce the effects, people can try supplements as well. Milk thistle is a supplement that is often taken by people who have liver problems. Alcohol is metabolized through the liver, so taking milk thistle before a night of drinking can help the liver process the liquor better, reducing the chance of a hangover.

There really is no cure for a hangover, but taking vitamin B in the morning can help with a pounding headache.
There really is no cure for a hangover, but taking vitamin B in the morning can help with a pounding headache.

Dehydration is a main symptom of a hangover, so all the vitamins and supplements in the world cannot replace the positive effects of water. Hungover individuals should take their vitamins and supplements with a large glass of water. If a person would like to prevent a hangover, he or she should alternate each glass of wine or beer with a glass of water to help stay hydrated. Although vitamins, supplements and water can help reduce hangover symptoms, the only way a person can assure that he or she will not wake up with a hangover is to avoid getting drunk.

Discussion Comments

burcidi

I think that some people use vitamins as an excuse to drink excessively. Vitamin B helps hangover symptoms, but it doesn't prevent liver damage. I don't think that any vitamin will prevent organ damage caused by alcohol abuse.

turquoise

I take a hangover vitamin when I party with friends. I take my vitamins with me. I first drink a large glass of water, have a full meal and then drink. After drinking, I take my vitamin with another glass of water. It has thirty some ingredients in it and it works like a charm. Even if I have to work the next morning, I wake up feeling great, without a headache or nausea.

People who drink regularly or who like to go overboard with their alcohol should definitely invest in a hangover vitamin.

serenesurface

I buy these small vitamin shots to take for hangovers after a night of drinking. They contain milk thistle and B vitamins. I either have it before I go to bed or first thing in the morning. It helps alcohol leave my system and helps me recover faster.

I'm glad I found this supplement. Before, I used to drink vitamin water. Vitamin water works too, but I think this supplement works better because it's more potent. I agree with the article author about hydration though. Regardless of which hangover remedy is used, it has to be accompanied by lots of water.

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    • Rich in Vitamin C, a glass of orange juice can help ease symptoms of a hangover.
      By: umbertoleporini
      Rich in Vitamin C, a glass of orange juice can help ease symptoms of a hangover.
    • Though vitamins and supplements can help relieve hangovers, water is necessary for curing them.
      By: monticellllo
      Though vitamins and supplements can help relieve hangovers, water is necessary for curing them.
    • There really is no cure for a hangover, but taking vitamin B in the morning can help with a pounding headache.
      By: britta60
      There really is no cure for a hangover, but taking vitamin B in the morning can help with a pounding headache.
    • Vitamins should be taken with water to help treat a hangover.
      By: ILYA AKINSHIN
      Vitamins should be taken with water to help treat a hangover.
    • Although technically not a vitamin, electrolyte-enhanced water can help offset the dehydration that accompanies a hangover.
      By: fotum
      Although technically not a vitamin, electrolyte-enhanced water can help offset the dehydration that accompanies a hangover.