Test & Learn - The Night Out
Creating a Supplement With a Clear Purpose
Considering two of my favourite things are fitness and alcoholic beverages, it seemed fitting that I should create a supplement for those who like both.
Backed by scientific studies and tons of personal testing (lot's of fun), The Night Out was a supplement prototype I created that works by taking 1 pack (which contains 5 small pills) before you start drinking, and 1 after you finish drinking.
Did it cure a hangover? No. I firmly believe that nothing ever fully will.
But what it aims to do is allow you to be more productive the day after drinking, so you can enjoy a few drinks with friends and make sure the impact on your body is minimised.
The packs would cost roughly £4 each, so £8 per 'night out'.
Did it “work”?
So did it "work"?
This is a really difficult question when it comes to supplements and diet.
There is almost always an element of control involved - i.e. supplements aren't medicine, they essentially support other variables in your life.
Can't get enough protein in? Protein supplement. Vegan? B12. Feeling unwell? Extra Zinc & Vitamin C.
Basic biology tells us there is a gene-environment interaction with every living thing. Similar concept with supplements: the “environment” element of this particular supplement was behavioural.
In the case of The Night Out - it was getting very drunk!
I put the supplement together to reduce the effects of a hangover for those who want a few drinks the night before a day where they still have to be productive.
Did it work? Yes; almost all feedback reported that the user felt loads better from taking it.
However, it failed here; if you tell a human that they won't feel as hungover the next day, take a guess what they do? They drink a ton more!
The Future of Hangovers
I’m very interested in supplements, I’ve tried and reviewed hundreds of them. And I’m still very interested in this subject, but potentially with positioning aimed at athletes - i.e. people who are already relatively disciplined with their diet and training so are less likely to drink too much. We shall see!
