Nutrition and Alcohol Metabolism

Questions and Answers

What is the common characteristic of the beverages mentioned in the passage?

They contain ethanol

What is the chemical structure of alcohols such as ethanol?

They have one or more hydroxyl groups

What is the primary reason why people consume alcohol in moderation?

To make social situations more enjoyable

What is the chemical process that results in alcohol?

Fermentation Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of this section of the textbook?

Alcohol metabolism and its effects on the body Signup and view all the answers

What is the classification of ethanol by chemists?

A two-carbon compound Signup and view all the answers

Why do many people experience serious problems as a result of their drinking habits?

Because they are drinking too much Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary source of energy for the body when consuming alcohol?

Alcohol Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of yeast in commercial alcoholic beverage production?

To ferment simple sugars in the absence of oxygen Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical alcohol content by volume in beers?

3 to 6% Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate percentage of alcohol in a typical distilled spirit, such as whiskey or vodka?

40 to 50% Signup and view all the answers

How many calories are provided by each gram of alcohol?

7 kcal Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate amount of alcohol in a standard drink?

14 grams Signup and view all the answers

Where does the detoxification of alcohol begin in the body?

The stomach Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary site for metabolizing alcohol in the body?

The liver Signup and view all the answers

What is the enzyme that converts alcohol to acetaldehyde in the liver?

Alcohol dehydrogenase Signup and view all the answers

What is the end product of alcohol metabolism in the liver?

Carbon dioxide and water Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of detoxifying alcohol in the body?

To reduce the harmful effects of alcohol Signup and view all the answers

What happens when a person consumes excessive amounts of alcohol?

The microsomal ethanol oxidizing system (MEOS) takes over. Signup and view all the answers

Why do some people seem to be able to 'hold their liquor' better than others?

Because of personal characteristics such as sex, body size and composition, age, and prior drinking history. Signup and view all the answers

How does the body eliminate some of the alcohol consumed?

Through the lungs, perspiration, and kidneys Signup and view all the answers

What is the legal limit for intoxication in the United States for automobile operators 21 years of age or older?

0.08% Signup and view all the answers

Why do women tend to become more impaired than men after drinking the same amount of alcohol?

Because they have a smaller liver and more body fat. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the microsomal ethanol oxidizing system (MEOS)?

To take over when the liver is overwhelmed. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the liver in the process of alcohol metabolism?

To detoxify the alcohol. Signup and view all the answers

Why do women have a higher risk of serious health problems when they abuse the same amounts of alcohol as men?

Because they have a smaller liver and more body fat. Signup and view all the answers

How does the body's detoxification rate affect the BAC?

A faster detoxification rate decreases the BAC. Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of drinking caffeinated beverages on the body's detoxification rate of alcohol?

It has no effect on the detoxification rate. Signup and view all the answers

What is the BAC level at which a person is legally intoxicated in most of the United States and Canada?

0.08% Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason why regular drinkers need to consume more alcohol to achieve the same effects?

Tolerance Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of Americans who were 12 years of age or older reported being current alcohol drinkers in 2017?

51% Signup and view all the answers

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, what is the definition of binge drinking for females?

Four or more drinks during an occasion Signup and view all the answers

What is the classification of a drinker who consumes up to 2 drinks per day?

Moderate drinker Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for a person who experiences problems at home, work, and school that are associated with their drinking habits?

Problem drinker Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for a person who has an uncontrollable need to drink and is unable to limit their alcohol consumption?

Alcoholic Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for a person who suffers from withdrawal symptoms, such as shakiness and anxiety, when alcohol is unavailable after a period of heavy drinking?

Alcoholic Signup and view all the answers

According to the National Institutes of Health, what percentage of Americans who were 18 years of age or older had an alcohol use disorder (AUD) in 2015?

6% Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for a person who develops tolerance to alcohol over time?

Alcoholic Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary effect of alcohol on the central nervous system?

It acts as a depressant, slowing the transmission of messages between nerve cells. Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible consequence of continued drinking despite experiencing memory blackouts?

Alcohol use disorder Signup and view all the answers

What is the estimated number of Americans who die each year as a result of excessive alcohol use?

88,000 Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of alcohol on the gastrointestinal tract?

It has an irritating effect on the lining of the tract. Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the painful and sometimes fatal condition characterized by inflammation and destruction of the pancreas?

Alcoholic pancreatitis Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of alcohol on the risk of cancers of the digestive system?

It increases the risk of cancers of the digestive system. Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible consequence of drinking more than intended?

Alcohol use disorder Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of alcohol on the cardiovascular system?

It damages the cardiovascular system. Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible consequence of getting into situations while or after drinking that increase the chances of being harmed?

Increased risk of physical injuries Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of chronic alcohol abuse on the body?

It damages every system in the body. Signup and view all the answers

What is a typical effect of a BAC level between 0.08 and 0.15%?

Slurred speech and poor muscular control Signup and view all the answers

At what BAC level can a person typically lose control over voluntary muscles?

0.08% Signup and view all the answers

What is a common sign of extensive brain damage in a chronic heavy drinker?

Confusion and memory loss Signup and view all the answers

What is the Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) level at which coma and death can occur?

0.25% or higher Signup and view all the answers

What is a serious public health concern associated with binge drinking?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the practice of trying to consume 21 drinks quickly while celebrating one's 21st birthday?

21 for 21 Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of a person suffering from alcohol poisoning?

Confusion and inability to be aroused Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of long-term consumption of excessive amounts of alcohol on neurons in the brain?

They shrink and develop structural abnormalities Signup and view all the answers

What is a typical effect of a BAC level of 0.20%?

Cannot walk without help, mental confusion Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason why binge drinking is dangerous?

It increases a person's BAC rapidly Signup and view all the answers

What is the risk of breast cancer for women who consume one or more drinks daily?

Higher than women who avoid alcohol or drink less than one standard drink per day Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of combining alcohol with products that contain the pain-reliever acetaminophen?

Severe liver damage and even death Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of chronic, excessive alcohol intake on the drinker's nutritional intake and status?

Adverse effects on nutritional intake and status, increasing the risk of malnutrition Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical symptom of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome?

Mental confusion, memory loss, and uncoordinated muscular movements Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of light to moderate alcohol drinking on bone health, especially among women who are past child-bearing age?

Stronger bones and lower risk of fractures Signup and view all the answers

Why is alcohol not a good thirst quencher?

Because it is a diuretic that suppresses the production of antidiuretic hormone Signup and view all the answers

What happens when a pregnant woman drinks alcohol?

The alcohol passes freely from the mother's bloodstream into the embryo's or fetus's bloodstream Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of a child born with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)?

Extensive, irreversible damage to the nervous system causing intellectual disability Signup and view all the answers

Why do chronic alcoholics often become deficient in certain vitamins and minerals?

Because they displace nutrient-dense foods with alcohol Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of excessive alcohol consumption on the liver?

It damages the liver and interferes with the absorption, metabolism, and storage of various micronutrients Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible consequence of alcohol poisoning?

Death Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary effect of acetaldehyde on the liver?

It causes the accumulation of fat in liver cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the condition that occurs when fat accumulates in liver cells?

Fatty liver Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of chronic alcohol abuse on the liver?

It destroys liver cells, replaced by tough scar tissue Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of moderate alcohol consumption on the cardiovascular system?

It raises HDL cholesterol levels and decreases platelet stickiness Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of antioxidants and B vitamins in red wine and beer?

They lower the risk of heart disease Signup and view all the answers

What is the increased risk of cancer associated with heavy drinking and smoking?

Oral cavity and esophageal cancer Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of liver failure?

The person will die unless they undergo liver transplantation Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of alcohol on the brain?

It slows down the heartbeat and lungs Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if you suspect someone has consumed a deadly amount of alcohol?

Call 911 immediately Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of children with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)?

Delayed and abnormal physical development Signup and view all the answers

Who should avoid consuming alcohol?

Pregnant women, people who plan to drive, and people taking certain medications Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of low to moderate amounts of alcohol on strength and endurance?

It may have either positive or negative effects on strength and endurance Signup and view all the answers

What is a problem that can occur when athletes consume alcohol?

Dehydration and heat injuries Signup and view all the answers

What should athletes do after exercise to avoid the negative effects of alcohol?

Focus on consuming nonalcoholic beverages Signup and view all the answers

Where can individuals get help for problem drinking or an alcohol use disorder?

Their personal physician, or the National Drug and Alcohol Treatment Referral Routing Service Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of chronic alcohol abuse?

Muscular wasting Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended approach to alcohol consumption during pregnancy?

Avoid drinking altogether Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of alcohol on the body's ability to regulate its temperature?

It impairs the body's ability to regulate its temperature Signup and view all the answers

What should athletes do in the 48 hours before a competitive event?

Avoid consuming excess alcohol Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Nutrition Matters: Drink to Your Health?

Alcoholic beverages contain ethanol, a two-carbon compound that is classified as an alcohol.
Ethanol is a simple two-carbon compound and is a mind-altering drug that is often classified as a food.

Factors that Affect Alcohol Metabolism

Amount and timing of alcohol consumption
Personal characteristics such as:
- Sex
- Body size and composition
- Age
- Prior drinking history
Drinking caffeinated beverages, exercising, or taking vitamins do not increase the rate of alcohol metabolism.

How the Body Processes Alcohol

Alcohol requires no digestion and readily passes through the tissues lining the inside of the mouth, esophagus, stomach, and small intestine.
Food delays the absorption of alcohol from the stomach and slows the rate at which the drug enters the bloodstream.
The body detoxifies alcohol by converting it into less damaging compounds.
The liver is the primary site for metabolizing alcohol.
The liver relies on two biochemical pathways to metabolize alcohol:
- Alcohol dehydrogenase converts most of the alcohol to acetaldehyde
- Aldehyde dehydrogenase reacts with acetaldehyde to form acetate

Classifying Drinkers

Moderate drinking: up to 2 drinks/day for males and up to 1 drink/day for females
Heavy drinking: 15 or more drinks/week for males and 8 or more drinks/week for females
Binge drinking: 5 or more drinks/occasion for males and 4 or more drinks/occasion for females

Alcohol Use Disorder

A person with a severe drinking problem has an alcohol use disorder (AUD)
Signs of AUD:
- Had times when you drank more than you intended
- Wanted to reduce or stop drinking, but couldn't
- Had a strong need or urge to drink
- Felt that drinking or its aftereffects interfered with personal responsibilities
- Continued to drink despite causing trouble with family or friends
- Got into situations while or after drinking that increased the chances of being harmed

Alcohol and Health

Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant
Mild alcohol intoxication produces pleasant sensations and relaxed inhibitions
Consuming large amounts depresses normal motor functioning, including breathing, and can lead to death
Alcohol use is often involved in motor vehicle accidents, falls, and drownings, as well as acts of violence and abuse
Chronic alcohol abuse damages every system in the body, particularly the:
- Gastrointestinal system
- Nervous system
- Cardiovascular system
Chronic alcohol consumption increases the risk of various cancers, including:
- Mouth
- Throat
- Esophagus
- Liver
- Colon
- Rectal cancers### The Effects of Alcohol on the Body
Long-term consumption of excessive amounts of alcohol can cause neurons to shrink and lead to structural abnormalities in the brain.
Confusion and memory loss are common signs of extensive brain damage in chronic heavy drinkers.
Binge drinking is a serious public health concern, especially among youth, as it can lead to driving while drunk, increase the risk of alcoholism, and result in death.
Binge drinking increases Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) rapidly, leading to alcohol poisoning, which can cause death.
Symptoms of alcohol poisoning include confusion, coma, slow and irregular breathing, and pale or bluish skin.

Alcohol and the Liver

Alcohol can damage the liver, leading to fatty liver, which may be reversible if the person avoids alcohol for an extended period.
Continued alcohol consumption can lead to liver cirrhosis, a condition where the liver cells are destroyed and replaced with scar tissue.
Liver cirrhosis can cause liver failure and increase the risk of liver cancer.
Chronic alcohol abuse is a major cause of liver failure among adult Americans.

Alcohol and the Cardiovascular System

Moderate alcohol consumption can raise HDL cholesterol levels and decrease platelet stickiness, reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Some studies suggest that drinking beer and red wine may be healthier than consuming white wine or spirits due to their higher levels of antioxidants and B vitamins.
However, more research is needed to determine the effects of moderate alcohol consumption on heart health.

Alcohol and Cancer

Alcohol consumption increases the risk of oral cavity, esophageal, stomach, liver, pancreatic, and colorectal cancer.
Heavy drinkers who smoke tobacco products have a much greater risk of developing cancers of the oral cavity and esophagus.
Women who consume one or more drinks daily have a higher risk of breast cancer.

Other Effects of Alcohol

Alcohol can interact with other drugs, causing serious side effects that do not occur when a drug is consumed alone.
Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to malnutrition, as it displaces nutrient-dense foods from the diet and increases the risk of deficiencies in vitamins and minerals.
Chronic alcohol abuse can lead to bone loss and fractures, especially among women who are past child-bearing age.
Alcohol is not a good thirst quencher, as it is a diuretic that suppresses the production of antidiuretic hormone, leading to dehydration and loss of water and certain vitamins and minerals.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders

When a pregnant woman drinks alcohol, it can affect the embryo/fetus, leading to developmental abnormalities and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD).
Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a devastating form of FASD, characterized by facial and heart defects, as well as extensive, irreversible damage to the nervous system.

Who Should Avoid Alcohol?

Pregnant women or those trying to conceive
People who plan to drive or use heavy machinery
People taking certain over-the-counter or prescription medications
People with medical conditions that alcohol can aggravate
Recovering alcoholics
People younger than 21 years of age

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Learn about the effects of alcohol on the body, including factors that affect its metabolism and how it interacts with other substances. Test your knowledge on the classification of ethanol and its effects on the human body.