In a breakthrough study, researchers have uncovered a potential connection between red wine headaches (RWH) and the presence of quercetin-3-glucuronide. Flavonols like quercetin, known for their presence in wine, are thought to influence the occurrence of RWH. The study highlights the variability in quercetin levels among different wines and suggests that quercetin-3-glucuronide may inhibit the ALDH2 enzyme, leading to acetaldehyde accumulation and, consequently, headaches. Further research is needed to validate these findings, but this discovery opens a new chapter in understanding the intricate relationship between wine composition and the notorious red wine headache.
Source: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-46203-y#Abs1
