Hovenia dulcis extract has become widely popular in various Asian countries, especially in South Korea. An often overlooked approach to effective hangover relief is to facilitate the conversion of acetaldehyde to acetate as quickly as possible thus avoiding many common hangover symptoms.

Scientists have proven acetaldehyde toxicity plays a major role in hangovers. The alcohol we consume is broken down by two important enzymes: alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH). These enzymes are responsible for converting alcohol into acetaldehyde, which is broken down into acetic acid, a non-toxic substance. Hovenia dulcis extract has been demonstrated to promote balance between these two enzymes to metabolize alcohol more effectively, therefore minimizing any negative side effects traditionally associated with alcohol metabolism.

Hepatoprotection refers to the ability to prevent damage to the liver. Hovenia dulcis contains significant amounts of antioxidants and flavonoids (organic, health supportive compounds). Two important hepatoprotective flavonoids, Ampelopsin and Quercetin, are present in Life Support™'s formula. Ampelopsin is a type of flavonoid found in the Japanese Raisin tree, which is credited with Hepatoprotective properties. Quercetin is commonly found in fruits, vegetables, leaves, and grains and is a potent anti-oxidant as well as a natural anti-inflammatory.

Life Support™'s B vitamin complex includes vitamins B1, B3, B5, and B12. Excessive dehydration due to alcohol consumption can deplete your body's reserves of B vitamins, which are especially vulnerable to alcohol. Life Support™ contains a B vitamin complex containing Niacin, Pantothenic acid, thiamine, and cyanocobalamin. Alcohol interferes with vitamin B12 absorption, which is necessary for the production of red blood cells. B Vitamins help convert carbohydrates into glucose which is the fuel the body requires to produce energy. B Vitamins also play an important role in removing toxic and harmful chemicals from the body.

Antioxidants aid in the prevention of cellular damage caused by excessive free radicals, which can cause tissue damage and aging. In addition to the free radical-scavenging flavonoids present in Hovenia dulcis fruit, we've added yet another powerful antioxidant, glutathione.

Vitamin C is a powerful antitoxin that improves the body's metabolism of the toxic byproducts of alcohol. Life Support™ contains the same amount of Vitamin C as two full glasses of orange juice.

Drinking alcohol causes excessive fat to build up in the liver, causing it to swell. This swelling reduces blood flow to the liver (an organ vital to breaking down acetaldehyde). Naturally produced in the body, Taurine is an amino acid which has been shown to prevent fat buildup in the liver, and in many cases, reverses the process entirely. Life Support™'s proprietary blend contains two grams of Taurine.