Alcohol Types and Properties

Types of Primary Alcohol

  • There are three types of primary alcohol:
    1. Methyl Alcohol = Methanol (not consumable)
    2. Propyl Alcohol = Isopropanol (not consumable)
    3. Ethyl Alcohol = Ethanol (consumable)
  • From this point forward, the term "alcohol" will refer only to ethanol.

Alcohol as a Water-Soluble Non-Nutrient

  • Alcohol is water-soluble and considered a non-nutrient.
  • It provides no nutritional benefits to the body.

Caloric Content of Alcohol

  • Alcohol provides Calories: 77 Calories per gram.
  • Because it lacks nutrients, these Calories are considered "empty Calories."

Impact on Nutrient Absorption

  • Alcohol impairs the body's ability to absorb and utilize certain nutrients.
  • Affected nutrients include:
    • Thiamin (vitamin B-1)
    • Vitamin B-12
    • Folate / Folic acid
    • Zinc