Can you handle your liquor effortlessly, or do you turn bright red after just one drink?
Either way, it’s not unusual—alcohol metabolism varies from person to person. This difference not only affects how much alcohol you can tolerate but also influences your risk of alcohol-related diseases, including cancer.
How Alcohol is Metabolized: The Breakdown of Ethanol and Acetaldehyde
When you consume alcohol, your body processes it through a two-step enzymatic reaction:
1. Alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) converts alcohol (ethanol) into acetaldehyde, a highly toxic substance.
2. Aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) further breaks acetaldehyde down into acetate, which is harmless and can be easily excreted.
However, if ALDH activity is low, acetaldehyde builds up in the body, leading to flushing, nausea, dizziness, headaches, and increased health risks, particularly esophageal cancer.
Genetic Variations: ADH1B and ALDH2. HowDoes it Affect Your Alcohol Metabolism?
Variations
in the genes encoding these enzymes can significantly influence an individual’s ability to process alcohol and their susceptibility to alcohol-related health risks. Among these, variations in the ADH1B and ALDH2 genes are particularly impactful, which significantly influence enzyme function and, consequently, alcohol tolerance.
l ADH1B Gene (rs1229984 SNP)
A variation in this gene increases ADH enzyme activity, meaning alcohol is broken down into acetaldehyde at a much faster rate. This rapid buildup of acetaldehyde can lead to discomfort, discouraging excessive drinking.
l ALDH2 Gene (rs671 SNP)
This variation reduces the efficiency of ALDH2, impairing the body’s ability to convert acetaldehyde into acetate. As a result, acetaldehyde accumulates, causing flushing, nausea, and an increased risk of alcohol-related cancers, particularly esophageal cancer.
Individuals with both of these genetic variations often experience strong adverse reactions to alcohol and are at a higher risk of long-term health complications.
How Can You Know Your Alcohol Metabolism Style? Why Does It Matter?
Genetic testing provides a precise way to understand your alcohol metabolism. By collecting a blood or buccal swab sample, molecular diagnostics can determine whether you carry genetic variations that affect alcohol tolerance.
Why does this matter?
l Helps you adjust your drinking habits based on your body’s ability to metabolize alcohol.
l Identifies potential health risks, allowing you to take preventive measures.
l Supports personalized health and wellness strategies for a healthier lifestyle.
These tests are often available at nearby clinics or health management centers, making it easier than ever to gain insights into your alcohol metabolism and take proactive steps toward better health.
The Credo Diagnostics Biomedical’s Solution: ADH/ALDH SNP Assay
To support clinical and research applications, Credo Diagnostics has developed the VitaSIRO solo™ ADH/ALDH SNP Assay, available on the VitaSIRO solo™ platform. This POCT molecular diagnostic solution enables rapid genetic testing for alcohol metabolism variations.
Key Advantages:
l POCT-enabled molecular testing for fast and accurate results
l 3-Step-Procedure – Buccal swab sampling, streamlined workflow with no additional consumables
l Yes-No Results – easy operation with clear results , minimizing user training
With Credo Diagnostics Biomedical’s advanced molecular diagnostics, you can gain valuable insights into alcohol metabolism, supporting clinical decision-making and personalized health management.
VitaSIRO solo™ ADH/ALDH SNP Assay
Catalog No.
PCRBD1116
Technology
Real-Time PCR + Fluorescence Spectrum Detection
Quantity
20 test/box
Turnaround Time
20 minutes
Targets
ADH1B A & G; ALDH2 G & A genes
Specimen
Buccal Swab
Hands-on Time
< 1 minute
Kit Storage
5~25°C
