Let’s face it; one of the biggest pluses of switching to non-alcoholic beer from traditional beer is that you don’t get a hangover. Put simply, hangovers suck. We know that when we have a session, we will probably have to pay the consequences. The dry mouth, the pounding headache, the lethargy. Often it’s worth it. But not always. As non-alcoholic beers continue to develop and improve in flavour and aroma, you can now get the enjoyment of drinking beer without the furry tongue and pounding head the morning after the night before. (While there are very good reasons to enjoy the buzz of alcoholic beer, only a masochist enjoys the hangover.) That’s one of the side effects of non-alcoholic beer that it doesn’t have. But are there any that it does, or might, have?
Let’s take a look.
Headache and bloating
Firstly, a headache is not impossible to come by after drinking non-alcoholic beer. If you are very sensitive to alcohol, say, the 0.05 per cent could feel the squeeze. Additionally, some non-alcoholic beers are produced by removing the alcohol from alcoholic beer. This process can sometimes leave behind trace amounts of acetaldehyde, a byproduct of alcohol metabolism. Acetaldehyde can also cause headaches, especially in people who have a genetic deficiency in an enzyme that breaks down acetaldehyde.
Bloating can also occur when drinking non-alcoholic beer due to the carbonation. Like regular beer, non-alcoholic beer is often carbonated to give it a foamy texture and a pleasant taste. The carbonation can cause gas to build up in the stomach, leading to feelings of bloating and discomfort. Plus, of course, if you have an intolerance to any of the ingredients in your beer, such as hops or wheat, one of the side effects may be bloating.
Allergic reaction
Another potential side effect of non-alcoholic beer is an allergic reaction. This can occur if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in the beer, such as wheat or barley. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can include hives, swelling and difficulty breathing. If you experience any of these symptoms after consuming non-alcoholic beer, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
Cancer
Now, calling cancer a “side effect” is pretty disingenuous, but it it is a risk, however small. That chemical I mentioned earlier, with regard to headaches – acetaldehyde – is a carcinogen that has been linked to an increased risk of cancer in animal studies. However, it is important to note that we need more research to determine whether or not non-alcoholic beer poses a significant cancer risk to humans.
Acetaldehyde is a naturally occurring compound found in many foods and beverages, including non-alcoholic beer. As a known carcinogen, it has the potential to cause cancer. Acetaldehyde is formed when alcohol is broken down in the liver. But it can also be formed during the fermentation process in beer production.
While the amount of acetaldehyde found in non-alcoholic beer is generally lower than in alcoholic beer, there is still some concern that it may increase the risk of cancer. A 2019 study published in the journal Nutrients found that the acetaldehyde content of non-alcoholic beer varied widely between different brands, with some brands containing levels comparable to those found in alcoholic beer. The study authors note that “long-term and excessive exposure to acetaldehyde may increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer, such as cancer of the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, liver, and breast.”
Ongoing research into the side effects of non-alcoholic beer
However, it is important to note that the link between acetaldehyde in non-alcoholic beer and cancer risk is not yet fully understood. A 2016 study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found no significant association between alcohol consumption, including non-alcoholic beer, and breast cancer risk. The authors note that “although acetaldehyde is a known carcinogen, it remains unclear whether low levels of exposure from alcohol consumption are associated with an increased risk of cancer.”
It is also worth noting that the potential cancer risk associated with acetaldehyde in non-alcoholic beer may be lower than that associated with alcoholic beer, as the low alcohol content in non-alcoholic beer may reduce the body’s ability to metabolise acetaldehyde. A 2018 review published in the journal Current Drug Abuse Reviews notes that “non-alcoholic beer contains much lower concentrations of acetaldehyde than alcoholic beer, and may not lead to the same extent of accumulation in the body.”
Medication reaction
It is also worth noting that non-alcoholic beer may interact with certain medications. For example, some medications used to treat depression and anxiety can interact with the ingredients in non-alcoholic beer. That can lead to side effects such as dizziness and drowsiness. If you are taking any medications, it is important to consult with your doctor before consuming non-alcoholic beer.
Stay healthy
Finally, it is important to keep in mind that non-alcoholic beer is not a health food. While it may contain fewer calories and less alcohol than traditional beer, it still contains carbohydrates and other ingredients that may not be beneficial to your overall health.
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While non-alcoholic beer is generally considered safe, it is still important to be aware of the potential side effects that may come with consuming it. These side effects are typically mild and uncommon. But it is important to seek medical attention if you experience any severe symptoms.
In other words, common sense.
Image credit: Fernando Latorre