Alcohol Consumption and Its Effects

Overview of Alcohol Consumption

• Last lecture on alcohol for the semester

• Topics covered: digestion, absorption, benefits, health concerns, blood alcohol content

Alcohol as a Source of Energy

• Alcohol contains 7 calories per gram.

• Not an essential nutrient; categorized as a toxin.

• Liver is responsible for detoxifying alcohol.

Composition of Alcohol

• Made up of Carbon (C), Hydrogen (H), and Oxygen (O).

• Fermentation process involves yeast converting sugars into ethanol in an anaerobic environment.

• Distillation process methods also discussed.

Standard Drink Definitions

• Standard serving sizes:

  • 12 oz beer, 10 oz wine cooler, 5 oz wine, 1.5 oz hard liquor

• Each standard drink contains one ounce of alcohol.

• Moderate drinking recommendations:

  • 1 drink or less for women; up to 2 drinks for men.

Absorption and Digestion of Alcohol

• Alcohol does not undergo traditional digestion;

• Rapid absorption:

  • 5% in the mouth, 15-20% in the stomach, 80% in the small intestine.

• Alcohol is water soluble and disperses throughout body fluids.

• Major organ impacted: liver, where detoxification occurs.

Metabolism Pathway of Alcohol

• Primary metabolism pathway: Alcohol Dehydrogenase (ADH)

• Steps of metabolism:

  1. Alcohol ⇨ Acetaldehyde (toxic intermediate)

  2. Acetaldehyde ⇨ Acetyl CoA (may enter energy cycle or be stored as fat)

• Alcohol is not stored; needs detoxification as a priority.

Factors Affecting Alcohol Metabolism

• Ethnicity: Some have lower levels of aldehyde dehydrogenase, affecting alcohol tolerance and reaction (e.g., Asian flush).

• Gender: Women are often smaller, possessing less body water, which influences alcohol concentration.

• Age: Aging reduces efficiency in enzyme production.

Signs of Alcohol Intoxication

• Legal intoxication at 0.08% BAC.

• Effects of BAC levels:

  • Low levels: relaxation, slight impairment.

  • Moderate levels: decreased function and coordination.

  • High levels: unconsciousness, risk of respiratory failure.

Health Effects of Alcohol

• Moderate alcohol consumption may have benefits (e.g., appetite stimulant, cardiovascular benefits).

• Excessive consumption leads to serious health risks:

  • Heart damage, high blood pressure, liver disease (fatty liver, cirrhosis), nutrient malabsorption, various cancers.

Impact of Alcohol on Pregnancy

• Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can result in Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS).

• FAS causes developmental issues, physical abnormalities, and lifelong complications.

Alcohol Use Disorder

• Indicators of addiction include habitual drinking despite negative impacts on life, withdrawal symptoms, and focus on obtaining alcohol.

• Factors contributing to dependency include genetics, gender, early onset of drinking, and mental health issues.

Treatment Strategies for Alcoholism

• Most effective treatment focuses on psychological factors.

• 75% do not seek help; support from loved ones is crucial.

• Common screening tools: CAGE questionnaire.

• Medications like Revia and Antabuse may assist in recovery.

• Total abstinence from alcohol is often recommended post-treatment.

• Programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) provide community support.