Focus On Alcohol

Copyright 2010, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. What’s in Alcoholic Beverages? Alcoholic beverages consist primarily of water, ethanol, and sugar.

Copyright 2010, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Absorption, Transportation and Excretion of Alcohol Alcohol is rapidly absorbed by simple diffusion along the entire GI tract. About 20% is absorbed in the stomach Absorbed alcohol is rapidly distributed throughout all body water compartments. About 90% of the alcohol is metabolized by the liver, 5% is excreted into the urine, and the reminder is eliminated via the lungs.

Copyright 2010, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Factors Affecting Blood Alcohol Level

Copyright 2010, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Alcohol Metabolism Two Primary Pathways: Cytosol alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH): for breaking down small amounts of alcohol Microsomal ethanol-oxidizing system (MEOS): important for breaking down large amounts of alcohol Alcohol is also metabolized by colon bacterial ADH to yield acetaldehyde—a toxic compound.

Copyright 2010, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Two Primary Pathways of Alcohol Metabolism

Copyright 2010, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Physiological Impact of Alcohol Metabolism Gender difference: Women have lower activity of stomach ADH and less body water than men. Products of alcohol metabolism by ADH promote fat synthesis. Reactive oxygen molecules are generated in MEOS pathway.

Copyright 2010, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Physiological Impact of Alcohol Metabolism

Copyright 2010, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Adverse Effects of Alcohol Consumption The short-term effects interfere with organ function for several hours after ingestion. Chronic alcohol consumption interferes with nutritional status and produces toxic compounds. The effects of alcohol vary with life stage.

Copyright 2010, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Acute Effects of Alcohol Consumption When alcohol intake exceeds the ability of the liver to break it down, alcohol intoxication or alcohol poisoning can occur. The circulating alcohol affects the central nervous system, breathing and heart rate.

Copyright 2010, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Acute Effects of Alcohol Consumption

Copyright 2010, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Alcoholism: Chronic Effects of Alcohol Use Long-term excessive alcohol consumption causes malnutrition. Decreasing overall nutrient intake Interfering with nutrient absorption, storage, metabolism, and excretion Increasing kcalorie intake 1 gram of alcohol = 7 kcalories

Copyright 2010, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Long-term excessive alcohol consumption generates toxins and free radicals that cause: Liver damage: fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, cirrhosis, etc. Hypertension, heart disease and stroke Increased risk for certain types of cancers Alcoholism: Chronic Effects of Alcohol Use

Copyright 2010, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Summary: Health Effects of Chronic Alcohol Use

Copyright 2010, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Benefits of Alcohol Consumption Moderate drinking: no more than 1 drink for women and 2 drinks for men, per day Moderate drinking has a number of benefits.  Lowest mortality  Reduced risk for heart disease and stroke—especially with a combination of alcohol and phytochemicals (phenols)

Copyright 2010, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Effects of Moderate and Heavy Drinking on the Cardiovascular System

Copyright 2010, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Safe Drinking Some people should completely avoid alcohol. Pregnant women; children and adolescents; individuals who plan to drive or operate machinery; alcoholics; individuals taking medications that can interact with alcohol Drinking is a personal choice that should take into account medical and social considerations. If individuals choose to drink, they should do so in moderation, slowly and with meals.

Copyright 2010, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Focus On Alcohol Copyright 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction or translation of this work beyond that permitted in section 117 of the 1976 United States Copyright Act without express permission of the copyright owner is unlawful. Request for further information should be addressed to the Permissions Department, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. The purchaser may make back-up copies for his/her own use only and not for distribution or resale. The Publisher assumes no responsibility for errors, omissions, or damages caused by the use of these programs or from the use of the information herein..