At a cost of 34.50 euros, plus 2.30 euros shipping, Myrkl, a pill to be ingested between one and twelve hours before drinking to reduce the level of alcohol entering the bloodstream and thus its effects, arrives in Italy. Made in Sweden, Myrkl is a probiotic supplement that contains two intestinal bacteria - Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus coagulants - produced from fermented rice bran. These bacteria naturally break down alcohol into water and carbon dioxide. An acid-resistant capsule protects the bacteria from natural stomach acids so they can reach the intestines where most of the alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream. However, its detractors argue that it is not calibrated to the different abilities of individuals to absorb alcohol (and also to their weight), and that it may push them to drink more.