Alcohol

What is the alcohol content of typical beers?

Less than 5% alcohol

What is the alcohol content of wine?

5-14%

What is the alcohol content of fortified wines?

15-22% alcohol

What is the alcohol content of distilled spirits?

Greater than 22% alcohol

How much alcohol does a standard drink provide?

14 grams

How many ounces are in a standard drink of beer, wine, and liquor?

Beer: 12 oz, Wine: 5 oz, Liquor: 1.5 oz

What is moderate alcohol intake for women and men?

Women: 1 drink/day, Men: 2 drinks/day

Where is alcohol absorbed in the body?

Stomach and mostly in the small intestine

Does alcohol require digestion or transport mechanisms?

No, it moves via simple diffusion

What happens if alcohol is consumed with high-fat food?

Absorption is slowed

Why must the liver metabolize alcohol quickly?

Because alcohol cannot be stored in the body

What happens when alcohol intake exceeds liver capacity?

Blood alcohol rises → intoxication → brain and nervous system affected

How is blood alcohol concentration (BAC) measured?

By alcohol in exhaled air, directly related to blood alcohol

What is binge drinking?

Women: 4+ drinks, Men: 5+ drinks in one occasion

What is acute alcohol toxicity

Alcohol poisoning, can cause respiratory failure or death

Potential benefits of moderate alcohol use?

Social enjoyment, lower stress, stimulate appetite in elderly, lower LDL, raise HDL, decrease platelet aggregation, resveratrol in red wine

Who should avoid alcohol?

Non-drinkers, pregnant women, underage, those on interacting meds, with medical conditions, or needing full attention/coordination

Why is alcohol harmful during pregnancy?

Reduces nutrient/oxygen to fetus, slows growth, may replace nutrient foods, worst 12–16 weeks

What is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD)?

Facial malformations, growth retardation, birth defects, learning disabilities, short attention span, hyperactivity

Effects of alcohol during breastfeeding?

Reduces milk production, babies drink less, sleep disruption, infants cannot metabolize alcohol well