This protein bar cuts alcohol absorption by 50%

A new brand of protein bars that has launched in the US today reduces the body’s alcohol absorption rate by 50%, according to a clinical trial run by the parent company.

(Photo: Zero Functional Foods)

The Sobar is the “world’s first food specifically designed and clinically evaluated to reduce alcohol absorption”, according to Zero Functional Foods, which has launched the snack bar in the US.

Zero Functional Foods ran a clinical trial of its snack bar this year, and found that eating a Sobar before consuming alcohol “significantly” lowers levels of intoxication, and reduces the rate of alcohol absorption by 50% more than if someone doesn’t eat anything at all.

The study, which was published in the Journal of Medicinal Food, compared the SOBAR’s ability to reduce alcohol absorption against two other foods in a group of 21 healthy adults, 10 men and 11 women.

Each person was tested four times, eating either  no food, a 210 calorie SOBAR, 210 calories of a popular snack mix, or a 635 calorie full meal right before consuming 2 drinks.

The study showed that peak blood alcohol concentration measured over 90 minutes was reduced by 50% compared to those who ate no food, and by 25% compared with those who ate the popular snack mix.

The reduction was even greater (68%) after eating the full meal

“This research project started after I had too much to drink on an empty stomach at a wedding,” said Sobar’s inventor Joseph Fisher, MD PhD. “After that experience I thought that there was a huge need for a specialised, low-calorie snack that could efficiently and effectively reduce alcohol absorption.”

The company wants to sell the snack bar in the US both online and through retail outlets, before expanding into other markets including Asia, Australia, and the EU.