What causes alcohol intolerance?

Updated on

What causes alcohol intolerance?

A genetic metabolic disorder causes alcohol intolerance. When most people ingest alcohol, which contains ethanol:

  • An enzyme called alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) helps metabolize (process) the ethanol.
  • Your liver converts the ethanol to acetaldehyde, a substance that can cause cell damage.
  • Another enzyme called aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) helps convert acetaldehyde to acetic acid (vinegar), which is nontoxic.

In people with alcohol intolerance, a genetic mutation (change) makes ALDH2 less active or inactive. As a result, your body can’t convert acetaldehyde to acetic acid. Acetaldehyde starts to build up in your blood and tissues, causing symptoms.

Related posts