Alcohol Metabolism Facts!!

• Metabolism of alcohol takes place in the liver

• An enzyme known as Alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) converts alcohol to acetaldehyde through a chemical process called oxidation.

• Studies shows that the chemical “acetaldehyde” which is produced after oxidation is even more toxic than alcohol itself

• An enzyme Aldehyde dehydrogenase acts on acetaldehyde and converts it into acetate which can be used as fuel by cell.

• This acetate travels through the bloodstream to other parts of the body where it may enter other metabolic cycles producing energy or vital molecules.

• A second pathways known as microsomal ethanol-oxidizing system (MEOS) is followed in the people who indulged in chronic alcohol consumption

• In MEOS pathway an enzyme cytochrome P450 works. This enzyme converts alcohol to acetaldehyde. MEOS removes toxic compounds from the body

• Cytochrome P450 eliminates high levels of blood alcohol in heavy drinkers. It generates reactive oxygen radicals which damages cellular components.

• Consumption of large amount of alcohol increase iron levels in the body which may damage liver.

• Sometimes acetaldehydes may combine with liver proteins and produces harmful compounds that may interrupt with the functions of cellular components and enzymes

• Potentially dangerous compounds such as fatty acid ethyl esters and phosphatidylethanol may be produced by the combination of alcohol and other molecules in the cell.