BIOL233: Module 7 - Alcohol

Ketone Bodies

Are water-soluble molecules produced by the liver when the body breaks down fatty acids for energy instead of glucose

Acetaldehyde

Is a toxic, reactive organic chemical compound and the first intermediate byproduct produced when the liver metabolizes drinking alcohol (ethanol)

Ketosis

A serious medical condition where dangerous levels of acidic ketones build up in the blood due to heavy alcohol use combined with starvation or lack of food

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

Observed in infants born to individuals who consume alcohol during pregnancy; infants exhibit congenital defects such as physical malformations, mental retardation, and low birth weight and poor growth

No other nutritive value, it performs no essential function, and it is not stored in the body

Is alcohol considered a nutrient? Does it get stored in the body?

7

How many kilocalories per gram does alcohol have?

No more than 2 drinks a day

What is considered moderate drinking for men?

No more than 1 drink a day

What is considered moderate drinking for women?

12 oz of regular beer, 5 oz of wine, 1.5 oz of distilled spirits

What counts as one drink?

12 oz

How many oz are in regular beer?

5 oz

How many oz are in wine?

1.5 oz

How many oz are in distilled spirits?

Alcohol is not digested but absorbed from mouth, esophagus, stomach, and small intestine; absorption is slowed by food and 80-90% of alcohol is absorbed unchaged

Outline the process of alcohol absorption and metabolism

No, so it prioritizes alcohol breakdown over carbohydrates, protein, fats

Can the body store alcohol?

The enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH)

What primarily metabolizes alcohol?

Metabolized into acetaldehyde and then used for energy or converted to fat

How does the metabolism of alcohol work?

True

True or false: Men have more ADH (enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase) than women

Causes alcohol to pass rapidly into your small intestine, leading to a fast and sharp spike in your blood alcohol concentration

Why is it worse to drink on an empty stomach?

Liver metabolism is limited; about 10% of circulating alcohol is lost in urine, through the lungs, and through the skin

How is alcohol cleared from the blood?

Dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, GI disturbances, low blood sugar, and inflammatory response

Summarize the effects of alcohol that contribute to hangover symptoms

Eat before drinking, drink in moderation by limiting to one more drink per hour gives the body more time to process alcohol, symptoms disappear within 24 hours, eat sleep drink, taking antacids and aspirin

What steps can you take to prevent and/or treat a hangover?

Individuals vary in susceptibility to intoxication, hangover, and long-term harm; older adults have less tolerance and blood alcohol rises faster in women

What contributes to how individuals react differently to alcohol, including physiological differences between men and women?

Effects can be immediate; memory impairment; rising BAC impairs coordination, judgement, reaction time, vision; severe hypoglycemia leads to coma/death; and permanent deficits

Summarize what occurs when alcohol reaches the brain and the effects it has on neurological functions

Acetaldehyde

What causes flushing in people of Asian descent?

Facial anomalies, growth deficiencies; physical malformations, mental retardation, low birth weight and poor growth

What are the most notable effects on a child with fetal alcohol syndrome?

Complete abstinence from alcohol

What are the alcohol consumption guidelines for pregnant women?

Some evidence suggests alcohol reduces insulin resistance and protects against heart disease

Summarize the potential positive effects some health experts argue alcohol can have