Many red wine enthusiasts experience headaches after drinking, often without knowing the reason. A new study led by Andrew Waterhouse and Apramita Devi from the University of California-Davis has pinpointed the real culprit—quercetin, a compound found in red grape skins.
Common Misconceptions About Wine Headaches
For years, sulfites, tannins, and biogenic amines have been blamed for red wine headaches. However, researchers now suggest that other phenolic compounds found in grape skins and seeds are responsible for disrupting alcohol metabolism.
How Alcohol Metabolism Works
When we drink alcohol, our body breaks it down in two steps:
- Ethanol → Acetaldehyde: The first step converts alcohol into acetaldehyde, a toxic compound.
- Acetaldehyde → Acetate: The enzyme Aldehyde Dehydrogenase (ALDH) converts acetaldehyde into harmless acetate.
However, for some people, the ALDH enzyme works inefficiently. This delay leads to a buildup of acetaldehyde, causing inflammation, flushed skin, and headaches.
Quercetin Disrupts Alcohol Metabolism
The study found that quercetin, a phenolic compound abundant in red wine, inhibits the ALDH enzyme. Here’s why it happens:
- Quercetin is primarily found in red grape skins. Red wines have more quercetin than white wines because the skins are left in contact with the wine during fermentation.
- When consumed, quercetin is converted to quercetin glucuronide by the liver. This compound interferes with the breakdown of acetaldehyde, resulting in its accumulation.
The buildup of acetaldehyde triggers inflammation and causes headaches after drinking red wine.
Sunlight and Quercetin Levels
Interestingly, grapes exposed to more sunlight produce higher levels of quercetin. However, many inexpensive red wines are made from grapes that receive less sunlight, meaning they might have lower quercetin levels.
Key Takeaway
If you suffer from red wine headaches, quercetin may be the main cause. While sulfites and tannins were once blamed, this new research highlights how phenolic compounds like quercetin disrupt alcohol metabolism, leading to discomfort.
By better understanding this process, wine lovers can make informed choices when indulging in their favorite glass of red.
