Best CBD Oil for Alcoholism - April 2024

How CBD May Help With Alcoholism: Can CBD Help Reduce Alcohol Intake?

A 2019 study from the journal Frontiers in Pharmacology hypothesized that CBD may reduce alcohol drinking in individuals with AUD (alcohol use disorder)⁽³⁾.

People with AUD have an impaired ability to control or stop alcohol use despite adverse occupational, social, and health consequences⁽⁴⁾.

Experimental studies suggested that CBD may reduce the overall alcohol drinking level of animal models of AUD by reducing the following⁽⁵⁾:

• Ethanol intake
• Motivation for ethanol
• Relapse
• Anxiety
• Impulsivity  

How CBD and Alcohol Affect the Endocannabinoid System

Cannabidiol, which may be found in CBD gummies, tinctures, and capsules, is a plant-based cannabinoid in Cannabis sativa or hemp plants. Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the primary psychoactive chemical compound of cannabis, CBD does not cause a euphoric effect.

In addition, CBD is relatively safe, and humans appear to tolerate it⁽⁶⁾. CBD also has numerous potential health benefits, including its purported ability to lower cravings for addictive substances like alcohol⁽⁷⁾.

A study from Frontiers in Psychiatry examined the role of the ECS (endocannabinoid system) in substance use disorder and the putative pharmacological action supporting CBD’s therapeutic potential in addictions⁽⁸⁾.

Substance use disorder affects one’s brain and behavior, resulting in a person’s inability to control their use of substances, like drugs or alcohol. 

The ECS is responsible for maintaining bodily homeostasis or balance. The system also plays a role in the brain reward circuitry, distinctly responding to substance abuse⁽⁹⁾. 

The ECS consists of endocannabinoids, enzymes, and cannabinoid receptors, namely CB1 and CB2.

CB1 receptors are abundant within the brain and central nervous system, while CB2 receptors are found within the peripheral nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, and immune system. 

CB1 receptors mediate most of the effects of THC in the central nervous system⁽¹⁰⁾. Studies suggest that CBD may decrease CB1 receptors’ activity and alter the potency of THC⁽¹¹⁾.

Notably, CBD may act as a non–competitive antagonist of CB1 receptors⁽¹²⁾. Antagonists are substances that block receptors instead of activating them, like agonists. 

Blockade of CB1 receptors may mitigate the adverse effects of alcohol drinking⁽¹³⁾.

An animal study from Alcoholism Clinical and Experimental Research showed that Wistar rats treated with CB1 receptor antagonists prevented alcohol-induced inhibition of adult hippocampal neurogenesis⁽¹⁴⁾. 

Adult hippocampal neurogenesis is a brain structural plasticity that generates new functional neurons from adult neural stem cells. This process is vital for memory and learning and is affected by diseases linked to depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairment⁽¹⁵⁾.

Furthermore, CBD has the potential to modulate the mesolimbic dopamine system and may possess antipsychotic properties⁽¹⁶⁾.  

The mesolimbic dopamine system is an essential component of the reward pathways in the mammalian brain. 

Within the mesolimbic system, CBD may also act as an agonist of the serotonin 1A receptor. Aside from contributing to stress and anxiety reduction, CBD may also be responsible for blunting the reward-facilitating effect of substance abuse⁽¹⁷⁾.  

Lastly, CBD has a good safety profile and generally mild side effects, making it a good therapeutic candidate for health issues such as substance use disorder⁽¹⁸⁾. 

Still, more longitudinal human studies are necessary to elucidate how CBD may help with alcoholism.

The Benefits of CBD Oil: How CBD Oil May Work to Alleviate Symptoms of Alcoholism

Some of the most common signs of alcohol abuse are the following⁽¹⁹⁾:

• Being stressed about not having access to alcohol
• Impaired thinking
• Slurred speech
• Failing to stop drinking despite wanting to do so 

When an individual who regularly abuses alcohol stops drinking, withdrawal symptoms, such as shaking and anxiety, will emerge⁽²⁰⁾.

Over time, alcoholics may also develop sleep problems⁽²¹⁾.

A 2021 cross-sectional study of CBD users published in the Journal of Cannabis Research reported that individuals who take cannabidiol to manage self-perceived anxiety, stress, and sleep problems indicated positive effects of CBD⁽²²⁾.

A study from Alcohol Research suggested that stress may affect alcohol consumption⁽²³⁾.

In the tension-reduction hypothesis, the researchers observed that stress may increase anxiety, and drinking alcohol may be a way to reduce tension⁽²⁴⁾.

Meanwhile, a study mentioned that although alcohol in low to moderate doses may initially improve sleep, chronic use of such a substance may eventually disrupt sleep-related physiology⁽²⁵⁾.  

Notably, CBD has purported antianxiety effects⁽²⁶⁾. In addition, The Permanente Journal study indicated that out of 72 adult patients with anxiety concerns and complaints involving poor sleep, 48 had improved sleep scores within the first month of CBD administration⁽²⁷⁾.

Does Mixing CBD and Alcohol Have Benefits?

A clinical trial from the journal Psychopharmacology hypothesized that combining CBD with alcohol may significantly lower blood alcohol levels than when alcohol is given alone⁽²⁸⁾.

However, it is worth noting that the study is outdated. Therefore, more up-to-date and longitudinal research is necessary to elucidate the possible health and wellness effects of taking CBD with alcohol. 

Other Potential Benefits of CBD on Alcoholism 

• CBD and alcohol-related liver damage: A systematic review from Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology suggested that CBD may attenuate alcohol consumption and is likely to protect against adverse effects of alcohol, such as brain and liver damage⁽²⁹⁾.

CBD may also reduce alcohol-induced liver steatosis⁽³⁰⁾. Steatosis, or fatty liver disease, is characterized by an excessive fat build–up in the liver. 

• CBD and hangovers: Alcohol hangover symptoms include nausea and vomiting⁽³¹⁾. CBD may suppress nausea and vomiting⁽³²⁾.  
• CBD and alcohol withdrawal: Alcohol withdrawal symptoms may include anxiety and depression⁽³³⁾. CBD may be a potential therapy for anxiety, depression, and psychotic disorders⁽³⁴⁾.
• CBD and alcohol-induced cell damage: CBD may prevent the loss of brain cells through its immunomodulatory and antioxidant effects⁽³⁵⁾.

A study from the International Journal of Hepatology suggested that oxidative stress and inflammation are associated with alcoholic liver disease⁽³⁶⁾.

Oxidative stress refers to an imbalance between antioxidants and free radicals.

CBD may affect redox balance by modifying the activity and level of oxidants and antioxidants⁽³⁷⁾. The compound may also interrupt free radical chain reactions by transforming free radicals into less active forms.

Meanwhile, transdermal CBD may prevent alcohol-induced neurodegeneration⁽³⁸⁾.

“Transdermal” means active ingredients are delivered across the skin for systematic distribution. Meanwhile, neurodegeneration is a progressive deterioration of neuronal cells in specified brain areas.

Excessive alcohol consumption may result in cognitive impairments and neurodegeneration⁽³⁹⁾.

• CBD and reduced blood alcohol concentration: A 2019 study from Frontiers in Pharmacology mentioned that although CBD may reduce 3.0kg ethanol-induced hypothermia and 4.0kg ethanol-handling-induced convulsions, the compound did not affect blood ethanol concentration⁽⁴⁰⁾.

How to Take CBD for Alcoholism

Consumers may take CBD oil using the following routes of administration:

• Inhalation 
• Ingestion
• Topical application
• Sublingual (under the tongue) administration
• Transdermal route 

How Soon Can CBD’s Effects Be Felt?

How soon CBD takes effect to help with alcoholism usually depends on several factors, including the chosen delivery method and the individual’s body weight. 

Inhaling or smoking CBD using vape pens is the fastest way to benefit from the effects of the compound⁽⁴¹⁾. The onset time of CBD via the inhalation route is between 2 to 15 minutes⁽⁴²⁾. 

However, a Journal of Clinical Psychiatry study hypothesized that cigarette smoking is linked to an increased risk of substance use disorder relapse⁽⁴³⁾.

Nicotine, a primary agent in regular cigarettes and vape pens, is highly addictive⁽⁴⁴⁾. Therefore, individuals with substance use disorder or a history of alcohol abuse may want to consider other CBD delivery methods. 

The sublingual delivery method also provides rapid effects without exposing the lungs to tar and heat⁽⁴⁵⁾. 

Oromucosal sprays, medicated lozenges, dissolvable strips, and tinctures are standard sublingual products.

With the sublingual route, capillaries under the tongue and within the mouth can absorb cannabinoids like CBD and THC into the bloodstream before being swallowed⁽⁴⁶⁾.

Individuals who opt to take CBD sublingually will feel its effects within 15 to 30 minutes, and these effects may last for 2 to 4 hours⁽⁴⁷⁾. 

Still, it is best to talk with a healthcare professional experienced in cannabis use to determine the suitable CBD delivery method for alcoholism. 

CBD Dosage for Alcoholism

The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) does not endorse CBD as a medical treatment or supplement to help curb alcohol consumption. 

However, Viudez-Martinez and colleagues administered increasing doses of CBD to mice to examine CBD’s effects on their motivation and consumption to drink alcohol and alcohol relapse⁽⁴⁸⁾. 

The researchers used 30mg, 60mg, and 120mg of CBD per kilogram of the subject’s body weight⁽⁴⁹⁾.

Their findings indicated that cannabidiol may be a potential agent for alcohol use disorders⁽⁵⁰⁾. 

Since the study used an animal model, the doses of CBD mentioned may not be applicable to humans. Therefore, it is best to get medical advice from a doctor experienced in drug use and substance abuse. These professionals may recommend accurate dosing of CBD for alcohol dependence. 

How CBD Oil Compares to Alternative Treatments for Alcoholism

Chronic use of alcohol may disrupt sleep⁽⁵¹⁾. Chamomile seems to have calming effects and may help with insomnia⁽⁵²⁾.

CBD also appears to have calming effects⁽⁵³⁾. Additionally, a 2021 cross-sectional study showed that one of the top reasons for using CBD was sleep problems⁽⁵⁴⁾.

Potential Side Effects of CBD for Alcoholism

The WHO (World Health Organization) indicated that CBD is relatively safe, and humans and animals may tolerate it⁽⁵⁵⁾.

However, the FDA warns the public regarding the use of CBD due to the compound’s tendency to induce side effects⁽⁵⁶⁾.

Generally, the risks and side effects of CBD include⁽⁵⁷⁾:

• Changes in alertness
• Changes in mood
• Gastrointestinal distress

Legality of CBD

Rules and regulations regarding CBD and medicinal cannabis vary from state to state. For example, Governor Ralph Northam of Virginia signed SB 1557 in March 2019⁽⁵⁸⁾. 

The bill extends the definition of legal CBD products to include oils, lozenges, capsules, lollipops, and patches. The legislation also allows patients to acquire a medical certificate for such products.

What Is CBD?

Cannabidiol, popularly known as CBD, is a cannabinoid present in the cannabis plant. The nonpsychoactive compound has shown promise as a pharmaceutical and therapeutic drug target⁽⁵⁹⁾.

CBD comes in different variants. The full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD oil types contain all the compounds of the cannabis plant. However, broad-spectrum CBD oil is THC-free, while full-spectrum CBD oil has less than 0.3% THC.

CBD isolates are made of pure CBD. 

The National Institute on Drug Abuse or NIDA stated on its website (nida.nih.gov) that THC may prime the brain for enhanced responses to other substances⁽⁶⁰⁾. Thus, it may be best to avoid CBD products with THC if an individual has substance abuse issues.

Understanding Alcoholism: Treatment Options for Alcohol Addiction

The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) estimates that one in six U.S. adults engage in binge drinking⁽⁶¹⁾. Meanwhile, more than 14 million adults 18 years and older have AUD⁽⁶²⁾.

Naltrexone is an FDA-approved medication for AUD and opioid use disorder⁽⁶³⁾. The drug is part of a comprehensive treatment plan, including counseling and other behavioral health therapies.

Other FDA-approved medications to help with alcoholism include acamprosate, which helps maintain abstinence, and disulfiram, which blocks the breakdown of alcohol by the body, leading to unpleasant symptoms like nausea⁽⁶⁴⁾.

FAQs

1. Is CBD safe for recovering alcoholics?

Gonzalez-Cuevas and colleagues suggested CBD’s potential in relapse prevention⁽⁶⁵⁾. Their 2018 study indicated that CBD reduced experimental anxiety and prevented high impulsivity in rats with an alcohol dependence history⁽⁶⁶⁾.

In addition, CBD is relatively safe⁽⁶⁷⁾. However, more human studies are warranted to prove CBD’s safety and effectiveness on alcoholism. 

Therefore, it is too early to conclude that the compound is good and safe for the well-being of individuals with alcoholism or recovering alcoholics.

2. Does CBD cancel out alcohol? Can CBD be used to stop someone from drinking?

No studies suggest that CBD can cancel out alcohol or stop someone from drinking. However, CBD may help lower alcohol cravings⁽⁶⁸⁾.

3. Is CBD a good alternative to alcohol?

Turna and colleagues stated that CBD lacks abuse liability and appears to be a promising therapeutic candidate for alcohol use disorder⁽⁶⁹⁾.

CBD sparkling waters and other similar high-quality CBD products may be a good alternative to alcohol.

4. Is CBD addictive?

CBD is nonintoxicating and generally well tolerated⁽⁷⁰⁾. Hence, it may not be addictive.

Studies determining CBD’s effects on physical and mental health suggest that the compound may have therapeutic properties on cocaine, opioid, and psychostimulant addiction⁽⁷¹⁾.

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1. Therapeutic Prospects of Cannabidiol for Alcohol Use Disorder and Alcohol-Related Damages on the Liver and the Brain
   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6554654/
2. Effects of Cannabidiol on Alcohol-Related Outcomes: A Review of Preclinical and Human Research
   https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31120285/
3. Therapeutic Prospects of Cannabidiol for Alcohol Use Disorder and Alcohol-Related Damages on the Liver and the Brain
   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6554654/
4. Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder
   https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/understanding-alcohol-use-disorder
5. Therapeutic Prospects of Cannabidiol for Alcohol Use Disorder and Alcohol-Related Damages on the Liver and the Brain
   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6554654/
6. An Update on Safety and Side Effects of Cannabidiol: A Review of Clinical Data and Relevant Animal Studies
   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5569602/
7. Cannabidiol (CBD)-What We Know and What We Don’t
   https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476
8. The Endocannabinoid System and Cannabidiol’s Promise for the Treatment of Substance Use Disorder
   https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00063/full
9. Ibid.
10. Cannabinoid Receptors in the Central Nervous System: Their Signaling and Roles in Disease
    https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fncel.2016.00294/full
11. The Endocannabinoid System and Cannabidiol’s Promise for the Treatment of Substance Use Disorder
    https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00063/full
12. Ibid.
13. Interactions Between Alcohol and the Endocannabinoid System
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8760843/
14. Acute Ethanol Inhibition of Adult Hippocampal Neurogenesis Involves CB1 Cannabinoid Receptor Signaling
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6042509/
15. Role of Adult Hippocampal Neurogenesis in Cognition in Physiology and Disease: Pharmacological Targets and Biomarkers
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25977081/
16. Neuronal and Molecular Effects of Cannabidiol on the Mesolimbic Dopamine System: Implications for Novel Schizophrenia Treatments
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28185872/
17. The Endocannabinoid System and Cannabidiol’s Promise for the Treatment of Substance Use Disorder
    https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00063/full
18. Ibid.
19. Alcoholism: List of Symptoms and Signs of Alcohol Abuse
    https://americanaddictioncenters.org/alcoholism-treatment/symptoms-and-signs
20. Ibid.
21. Ibid.
22. Reasons for Cannabidiol Use: A Cross-Sectional Study of CBD Users, Focusing on Self-Perceived Stress, Anxiety, and Sleep Problems
    https://jcannabisresearch.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s42238-021-00061-5
23. Effects of Stress on Alcohol Consumption
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3860387/
24. Ibid.
25. Disturbed Sleep and Its Relationship to Alcohol Use
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2775419/
26. Cannabidiol as a Potential Treatment for Anxiety Disorders
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4604171/
27. Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6326553/
28. Interaction of Cannabidiol and Alcohol in Humans
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/120541/
29. Effects of Cannabidiol on Alcohol-Related Outcomes: A Review of Preclinical and Human Research
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31120285/
30. Cannabidiol Attenuates Alcohol-Induced Liver Steatosis, Metabolic Dysregulation, Inflammation, and Neutrophil-Mediated Injury
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5608708/
31. The Impact of Alcohol Hangover Symptoms on Cognitive and Physical Functioning, and Mood
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5638093/
32. Regulation of Nausea and Vomiting by Cannabinoids
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3165951/
33. Alcohol Withdrawal
    https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000764.htm
34. Cannabidiol: A Potential New Alternative for the Treatment of Anxiety, Depression, and Psychotic Disorders
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7699613/
35. Therapeutic Prospects of Cannabidiol for Alcohol Use Disorder and Alcohol-Related Damages on the Liver and the Brain
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6554654/
36. Oxidative Stress and Inflammation: Essential Partners in Alcoholic Liver Disease
    https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ijh/2012/853175/
37. Antioxidative and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Cannabidiol
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7023045/
38. Transdermal Delivery of Cannabidiol Attenuates Binge Alcohol-Induced Neurodegeneration in a Rodent Model of an Alcohol Use Disorder
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4096899/
39. Ibid.
40. Therapeutic Prospects of Cannabidiol for Alcohol Use Disorder and Alcohol-Related Damages on the Liver and the Brain
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6554654/
41. How to Safely Use CBD: Should You Inhale, Spray, Apply, or Eat It?
    https://www.consumerreports.org/cbd/how-to-use-cbd-inhale-spray-apply-eat/
42. Healing With CBD, page 190.
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
43. Cigarette Smoking Is Associated With Increased Risk of Substance Use Disorder Relapse: A Nationally Representative, Prospective Longitudinal Investigation
    https://www.psychiatrist.com/jcp/addiction/substance-use-disorders/smoking-and-risk-of-sud-relapse/
44. 5 Vaping Facts You Need to Know
    https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/5-truths-you-need-to-know-about-vaping
45. CBD: A Patient’s Guide to Medicinal Cannabis, page 105.
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MILU_6ZjYkII-XMUPHLFPiPQbrz__5Sh/view
46. CBD: A Patient’s Guide to Medicinal Cannabis, page 104.
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MILU_6ZjYkII-XMUPHLFPiPQbrz__5Sh/view
47. Healing With CBD, page 192.
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
48. Cannabidiol Reduces Ethanol Consumption, Motivation, and Relapse in Mice
    https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/adb.12495
49. Ibid.
50. Ibid.
51. Disturbed Sleep and Its Relationship to Alcohol Use
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2775419/
52. Chamomile: A Herbal Medicine of the Past With Bright Future
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2995283/
53. Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6326553/
54. Reasons for Cannabidiol Use: A Cross-Sectional Study of CBD Users, Focusing on Self-Perceived Stress, Anxiety, and Sleep Problems
    https://jcannabisresearch.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s42238-021-00061-5
55. CANNABIDIOL (CBD) Critical Review Report
    https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/controlled-substances/whocbdreportmay2018-2.pdf?sfvrsn=f78db177_2
56. What You Need to Know (And What We’re Working to Find Out) About Products Containing Cannabis or Cannabis-derived Compounds, Including CBD
    https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/what-you-need-know-and-what-were-working-find-out-about-products-containing-cannabis-or-cannabis
57. Ibid.
58. State-by-State Medical Marijuana Laws
    https://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/legal-medical-marijuana-states-and-dc/
59. Cannabidiol
    https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Cannabidiol
60. Cannabis (Marijuana) Research Report Is Marijuana a Gateway Drug?
    https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/marijuana/marijuana-gateway-drug
61. Excessive Alcohol Use
    https://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/resources/publications/factsheets/alcohol.htm
62. Treatment for Alcohol Problems: Finding and Getting Help
    https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/treatment-alcohol-problems-finding-and-getting-help
63. Naltrexone
    https://www.samhsa.gov/medication-assisted-treatment/medications-counseling-related-conditions/naltrexone
64. Treatment for Alcohol Problems: Finding and Getting Help
    https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/treatment-alcohol-problems-finding-and-getting-help
65. Unique Treatment Potential of Cannabidiol for the Prevention of Relapse to Drug Use: Preclinical Proof of Principle
    https://www.nature.com/articles/s41386-018-0050-8
66. Ibid.
67. An Update on Safety and Side Effects of Cannabidiol: A Review of Clinical Data and Relevant Animal Studies
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5569602/
68. Cannabidiol (CBD)-What We Know and What We Don’t
    https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476
69. Cannabidiol as a Novel Candidate Alcohol Use Disorder Pharmacotherapy: A Systematic Review
    https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/acer.13964
70. The Effects of Cannabidiol, a Non-Intoxicating Compound of Cannabis, on the Cardiovascular System in Health and Disease
    https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/21/18/6740
71. Cannabidiol as an Intervention for Addictive Behaviors: A Systematic Review of the Evidence
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4444130/

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