The age-old conundrum of why red wine often results in headaches may finally have been cracked by scientists.
Researchers from the University of California have identified a compound called quercetin as the potential culprit behind the common side effect.
Their study indicates that quercetin, which is found in higher quantities in red wine than white, can lead to a build-up of acetaldehyde – a toxin linked with headaches and nausea.
Dr Morris Levin, who heads up the University of California’s Headache Center, suggested that even “modest amounts” of quercetin could trigger headaches in susceptible individuals.
He explained: “We postulate that when susceptible people consume wine with even modest amounts of quercetin, they develop headaches, particularly if they have a pre-existing migraine or another primary headache condition.”
Dr Levin pointed out that people of East Asian descent, including those from Korea, China and Japan, might be more prone to these headaches. He noted that around 40% of people in these regions possess an enzyme that makes it more difficult for them to eliminate acetaldehyde.
However, not everyone is on board with the theory. Roger Corder, Emeritus Professor of Experimental Therapeutics at Queen Mary University of London, flagged other ingredients in wine as potential headache triggers.
They include enzymes known as pectinases, which produce methanol, and dimethyl dicarbonate, a preservative found in cheaper wines that also produces methanol.
The emeritus professor labelled the quercetin theory as a “speculative hypothesis” backed “only by the minutest of evidence”. Healthline states that quercetin is a natural pigment found in various foods such as grains, vegetables, and fruit, potentially offering numerous health benefits.
It’s thought the antioxidant assists the body in combating damage from free radicals, linked with chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease. It might also help reduce inflammation, allergy symptoms, and blood pressure.
Some people take quercetin as a supplement for immunity, inflammation, allergies, exercise performance and overall health, but one study has shown that more than 1,000 mg of quercetin daily can cause headaches, stomach pains and tingling.
If you’re experiencing a headache, the NHS recommends avoiding alcohol, ensuring you don’t skip meals, not oversleeping, and avoiding eye strain, such as staring at a screen.
The NHS advises seeking medical advice if your headache keeps coming back, painkillers aren’t helping, you have a throbbing pain at the front or side of your head, you feel sick, or you frequently get a headache before or during your period.
You can find more information about headaches on the NHS website here.