Alcohol Chapter 7: Metabolism, BAC, Health Risks and Benefits

What is alcohol?

A psychoactive drug beverage that alters mood, thinking, memory, motor control, or behavior.

How is alcohol made?

Alcohol is made through fermentation of various foods, such as barley or wheat for beer.

What percentage of the US adult population drank alcohol in the past 30 days?

Over half of the US adult population.

What is considered heavy drinking for men and women?

Men: five or more drinks; Women: four or more drinks in two hours or less.

What organ is primarily responsible for clearing alcohol from the body?

The liver.

What percentage of ingested ethanol is absorbed and metabolized by the gastrointestinal tract?

5%.

What is the primary pathway for alcohol metabolism in the liver?

The Alcohol dehydrogenase system.

What does the microsomal ethanol oxidizing system (MEOS) do?

It degrades 10-20% of alcohol using different enzymes.

How long does it take for a legally intoxicated individual to reach sobriety?

About 5 hours.

What is Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)?

A measure comparing units of alcohol to units of blood, indicating intoxication.

List three factors that affect BAC.

Sex, weight, and drinking duration.

What are some health risks associated with heavy alcohol use?

Impaired nutrient digestion, dehydration, nerve cell communication disruption, and liver damage.

What is a common liver condition caused by heavy alcohol use?

Fatty Liver or hepatic steatosis.

What is the definition of moderate alcohol consumption?

1 drink/day for women and 2 drinks/day for men.

What health benefit is associated with moderate alcohol consumption?

Reduces the risk of coronary heart disease by about 30 percent.

What do newer studies suggest about moderate alcohol consumption?

It may be correlated with increased incidence of several cancers.

Why might earlier studies on alcohol consumption be misleading?

They may have included individuals who quit drinking due to health issues as 'non-drinkers.'

What is the caloric contribution of ethanol?

7 calories per gram.

What is the effect of alcohol on the Antidiuretic hormone (ADH)?

Alcohol impairs the function of ADH.

What is the impact of food intake on BAC?

Food intake can influence the absorption and metabolism of alcohol.

What is the significance of carbonated mixers in alcohol consumption?

They can increase the rate of alcohol absorption.

What is the relationship between alcohol consumption and metabolic syndrome?

Moderate alcohol intake may reduce the risk for metabolic syndrome.

What is a potential risk for pregnant women regarding alcohol consumption?

The risks of any alcohol consumption outweigh any potential benefits.

What is a common misconception about moderate alcohol consumption?

That it is beneficial for younger populations, which has not been supported by studies.