One of our readers from New Zealand recently reached out to us to ask about this ingredient: “As Sean had answered the queries in December 2014, I’m wanting to know if his answers are still considered correct. Is it still safe to consume propylene glycol?”

When it comes to consuming (and being scared of) ingredients you can’t pronounce, it is no wonder the additive ingredient propylene glycol caused some raised eyebrows. Dr. O’Keefe states that propylene glycol is a colorless liquid that possesses a slight sweet taste. According to the FDA website, propylene glycol is classified as GRAS (generally regarded as safe). Because of this classification, it means that it is safe to consume.

Is it safe to consume food or drinks that contain propylene glycol?

Dr. O’Keefe: “Yes, it is perfectly safe to consume foods containing propylene glycol. Propylene glycol can only be toxic if used intravenously at high dosage or when applied to compromised skin causing burns.

Is propylene glycol the same as antifreeze?

Dr. O’Keefe: Once ingested, propylene glycol is either excreted in the urine or is metabolized to lactic acid, a normal metabolic product. Ethylene glycol (used in car antifreeze) is toxic because it is metabolized to oxalic acid, which is toxic. As an ingredient in Fireball Whiskey, propylene glycol is safe.”

According to Food Insight, propylene glycol is added into items such as:

• Frostings
• Candies
• Baked goods
• Prepared foods
• Vanilla and almond extracts
• Food coloring
• Pharmaceutical products
• Cosmetic products
• Personal care products

What would happen if this ingredient was removed from food products? Would the food taste differently?

Dr. O’Keefe: “Propylene glycol adds sweetness, body, and can be used as a solvent for flavorings and other ingredients. I’m not sure for what specific reason it is used in Fireball Whiskey; I’ve read that it is used as a sweetener. It is safe to consume propylene glycol.”

“Something people seem to be missing is that it is used here in an alcoholic beverage, and over-consumption of alcohol is dangerous because alcohol is toxic. Consumers should be much more aware of the dangers of the alcohol in the drink than the propylene glycol.”

Fireball Whiskey was recalled in some European countries in 2014 because levels of propylene glycol were above the level allowed in those counties. Why is there a difference in the amount of propylene glycol that is acceptable in the U.S. vs. Europe?

Dr. O’Keefe: “Food additives are regulated in the U.S. based on their function and in what food category they can be used. Food laws are different in other countries. As an example, saccharin is allowed as an artificial sweetener in the U.S. but cyclamate is not. The opposite is true in Canada.”

“Propylene glycol IS allowed in Europe, just with different use levels.  It is considered non-toxic and is GRAS in the U.S. Regulations in Europe are different and what is allowed in the U.S. is not allowed in Europe in this case. Different countries have different laws. Different states in the U.S. have different laws. It is hard to know why without being in the room with committees that make the decisions. I assume that the Europeans considered people with metabolic disorders more than the Americans did when determining safe levels.”

Propylene glycol is added to food and beverages to improve taste and texture. It is not antifreeze. It is considered safe to use in the amount present in foods.

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But what exactly is a hangover? Characterized by various symptoms which may include drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, concentration problems and fatigue, the alcohol hangover develops after drinking when one’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) returns to zero. There has been very little scientific research conducted on the topic of the alcohol hangover, what causes it, and what (if anything) cures it. According to Dr. Sean O’Keefe of Virginia Tech, there are a number of things that could be related, including the amount of alcohol consumed, the type of alcohol consumed, and even genetics. The lack of scientific study doesn’t stop various media outlets from listing their suggested “hangover cures.” To save you the trouble of Googling and reading through these various lists, we did it for you! Here are the top 10 most commonly-mentioned foods that may or may not get you back to full functionality after a night of imbibing.

1. Eggs – The incredible, edible egg is apparently a great destroyer of toxins. Eggs are loaded with cysteine, an amino acid that helps break down toxins your body hasn’t done itself.
2. Coconut water – Alcohol is dehydrating and an obvious hangover cure is hydration! Coconut water is said to contain just as many electrolytes as Gatorade and other sports drinks minus the sugar!
3. Ginger – Ginger is said to stimulate the digestive system, helping to ease unpleasantries such as constipation, gas, bloating, indigestion, and even vomiting.
4. Tomato juice – Your body struggles to maintain adequate blood sugar levels while you’re drinking and this is where tomato juice comes to the assist. Simple sugars found in tomato juice will help get your energy levels back up. Bonus – it’s full of vitamin C and it’s hydrating.
5. Bananas – Alcohol’s dehydrating factor leads to low levels of potassium. Good news: Bananas are not only easy on the stomach but also full of potassium, low levels of which are linked to weak-feeling muscles – a common hangover symptom.
6. Asparagus – These spears are packed with amino acids and antioxidants that can help stop a hangover – perhaps even before it starts.
7. Coffee – The caffeine in coffee can help dilate blood vessels to help get rid of that headache you woke up with (and who wants a caffeine headache on top of a hangover headache?). Also, if you’re feeling a little on the slow side, caffeine can help perk up brain functions.
8. Soup – The salt can help to retain lost water in your body. You might find that certain varieties also contain needed potassium. And soup is hydrating, right?
9. Fruit juice – Or just fruit in general. Fruit contains fructose, which helps to naturally boost energy. Fruits also contain many nutrients and vitamins that your body may need to restore due to alcohol’s diuretic effects.
10. Sports drinks – Sports drinks are usually not recommended unless you’re engaging in intense physical activity but a night out celebrating a new year counts, right? These beverages are full of electrolytes to help hydrate. Just beware of the high sugar count.
11. BONUS – Hangovers can be prevented by not consuming alcohol, but if you must, just remember – moderation is key. The recommended alcohol intake for healthy adults is one drink a day for women of all ages and men older than age 65 and two drinks a day for men age 65 and younger.

While this quick Google search provided some insight we didn’t have before, we also wanted to consult an expert. Here’s what registered dietitian Carolyn O’Neil, MS, RD, recommends to nurse your holiday hangover:

“The most common symptoms including headache, tiredness, dizziness, and irritability are caused primarily by dehydration. The best way to rehydrate – as with rehydrating after physical exertion playing sports or mowing the lawn on a hot day – is with electrolyte-containing sports drinks. The mix of water, sugar and salts helps the body rehydrate and recover more quickly. Low-fat chocolate milk is a good option too because it provides needed fluid, protein, sugar and the electrolyte minerals sodium and potassium. Eat light foods such as toast, broth-based soups and fruit. Avoid high-fat foods because they can contribute to nausea. That greasy burger won’t help your hangover.”

Dr. O’Keefe recommends that you drink water with your alcoholic drinks to slow down consumption and to try to track your BAC, which can be done using a smart phone app. He also adds:

“The best way to treat a hangover is to not get one. Drink one water for each alcoholic drink, eat before drinking  (slows alcohol absorption), watch the alcohol content of your drinks (mixed spirit drinks are difficult to estimate standard drinks of alcohol, something that is key to knowing how much you are consuming.”

Disclaimer: None of the foods listed above are scientifically proven to “cure” hangovers, BUT home studies by a few team members will back some of these claims.

_{“Happy 2009!” by Ginny is licensed under CC BY SA.}

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