Red wine may be on your Thanksgiving menu, but for some people, even a small glass can result in a headache. Now researchers say they may have figured out why.
In a new study, published in the Scientific Reports journal on Monday, scientists at the University of California, Davis, found the culprit may be a flavanol that occurs naturally in red wines and can interfere with the proper metabolism of alcohol. Flavonols are a group of compounds found in many plants.
The flavanol, called quercetin, is naturally present in grapes and other fruits and vegetables and is considered a healthy antioxidant. However, when metabolized with alcohol, issues can occur.
"When it gets in your bloodstream, your body converts it to a different form called quercetin glucuronide," wine chemist and corresponding author Andrew Waterhouse, professor emeritus with the UC Davis Department of Viticulture and Enology, said in a news release about the study. "In that form, it blocks the metabolism of alcohol."
The result is a build up of acetaldehyde, an inflammatory toxin that can cause facial flushing, headache and nausea.
A recent study has found that red wine headaches, which are different from hangover headaches, can occur after consuming just one or two glasses of wine. The headaches typically start between 30 minutes to 3 hours after drinking. The study also revealed that the amount of quercetin, a compound found in wine, can vary greatly depending on factors such as sunlight exposure and winemaking techniques. Researchers are now looking to further investigate ways to prevent these headaches.
"We believe we are making progress in solving this age-old mystery. The next step is to conduct scientific trials on individuals who experience these headaches, so stay tuned," said co-author Morris Levin, a professor of neurology and director of the Headache Center at the University of California, San Francisco. The upcoming research, funded by the Wine Spectator Scholarship Foundation and led by UCSF, aims to determine why certain individuals are more prone to these headaches and whether quercetin or acetaldehyde is the main cause.
Scientists Hope to Address Important Questions with New Tools
A group of scientists is working on a hypothesis that could potentially provide them with the tools they need to address important questions. The lead researcher, Dr. Waterhouse, expressed optimism about the potential outcome.
"If our hypothesis pans out, then we will have the tools to start addressing these important questions," Dr. Waterhouse said.
