Genetic influences on alcohol-related hangover.
Level 4 - case-series / case-control
Cross-sectional twin study using biometric variance partitioning
PubMed 25098862 · doi:10.1111/add.12699
What was done
Biometric modeling was used to estimate the relative contributions of genetic and environmental influences on alcohol hangover phenotypes in 4,496 twin members of the Australian Twin Registry (Cohort II) who consumed alcohol in the past year (surveyed 2004–2007). Structured telephone interviews measured past-year frequency of drinking to intoxication and next-day hangover frequency. Three phenotypes were modeled: overall hangover frequency, hangover susceptibility (residual variance in hangover frequency after controlling for intoxication frequency), and hangover resistance (reporting intoxication at least once without any hangovers).
What was found
Genetic factors accounted for 45% (95% CI: 37–53%) of the variance in hangover frequency in men and 40% (95% CI: 33–48%) in women, with most genetic variation overlapping with genetic influences on intoxication frequency. For residual hangover susceptibility, genetics accounted for 24% (95% CI: 14–35%) in men and 16% (95% CI: 8–25%) in women. For hangover resistance, genetics explained 43% (95% CI: 22–63%) of the variance, with no significant sex differences. Shared environmental factors accounted for none of the variance across all phenotypes.
Why it matters
This study demonstrates that susceptibility and resistance to alcohol hangovers are partly heritable traits rather than purely behavioral or environmental phenomena, even when controlling for intoxication frequency.
Limits
Hangover and intoxication frequencies were self-reported retrospectively via telephone interviews, introducing potential recall and social desirability biases. The study population was restricted to Australian twins, which may limit generalizability to other ancestral or cultural groups. Specific biological mechanisms, genes, and acute physiological measures were not assessed.
Cited by
- supports Genetic factors account for up to 43% of hangover resistance.