Do you feel like you can't tolerate alcohol? Or do you experience nausea, flushing, or a racing heart after drinking even a small amount of your favorite cocktail?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, these can be signs of genetic alcohol intolerance, which could be caused by a mutated gene.
Health experts say this genetic mutation interferes with the body's ability to produce enzymes that break down alcohol and remove the byproducts from the body.
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Alcohol intolerance test
An at-home DNA test may be able to detect whether you have this mutation that causes alcohol dependence.
The tests look for mutations in the ADH and ALDH genes that affect metabolism, according to the websites of some of the testing companies that make the kits.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, mutated genes can cause hereditary alcohol intolerance. (St. Petersburg)
The test kit costs about $150 and involves swabbing your cheek and mailing the sample to a testing company to see if the genetic mutation is present.
Results are typically available within two weeks, according to some testing company websites.
In recent years, alcohol deaths, especially among women, have more than doubled.
“A simple mouth swab is enough to find out if you have inherited a DNA change that could affect your ability to metabolize alcohol and increase your risk of serious health complications.” Genex Diagnostics, a specialist DNA testing company based there, said: is stated on the website.
Health experts say this genetic mutation interferes with the body's ability to produce enzymes that break down alcohol and eliminate the byproducts from the body. (St. Petersburg)
Dr. Francis Lee, a hepatologist (liver doctor) who specializes in alcohol-related liver disease at Mount Sinai Health Systems in New York City, is not affiliated with any testing company, but he told Fox about these test kits. commented on News Digital.
“The genes in question are ADH1B, ADH1C, and ALDH2,” Lee told FOX News Digital.
The ADH1B and ADH1C genes help break down ethanol (alcohol) into a chemical called acetaldehyde, he said. The ALDH2 gene then helps oxidize acetaldehyde to acetic acid.
“We encourage anyone who wants to consume alcohol, mutant or not, to consider both the quality and quantity of their drinks.”
“This is an important step in the metabolism of ethanol because acetaldehyde is toxic to cells and causes inflammation,” Lee said.
“Mutations in the ALDH2 gene cause acetaldehyde dehydrogenase to work more slowly, which can lead to increased levels of acetaldehyde in the body.”
The test kit costs about $150 and involves swabbing your cheek and mailing the sample to a testing company to see if the genetic mutation is present. (St. Petersburg)
Lee said acetaldehyde has also been linked to some of the more unpleasant symptoms of alcohol poisoning, including headaches, facial flushing, hives and nausea.
This type of genetic testing could provide at least a partial explanation for an individual's alcohol intolerance, Lee told FOX News Digital.
Potential disadvantages of genetic testing
All genetic tests should be approached with caution, Lee said, as they can raise more questions than answers.
Other health experts also told Fox News Digital that there are pros and cons to this type of genetic testing.
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“If a previously unknown heterozygosity for ALDH2 were revealed, I can imagine a case where this test would prompt people to reduce their alcohol consumption,” Mount Sinai's Lee told Fox News Digital. “If that happens, we believe this test will have beneficial results.”
However, the test may not find the genetic mutation, which could be further interpreted as permission to drink.
One expert warned that genetic testing should be approached with caution, as it can sometimes raise more questions than answers. (St. Petersburg)
“This would be an example of a detrimental outcome,” Lee said.
Although a DNA test can confirm that a person has a defective gene that makes them more susceptible to the effects of low doses of alcohol, “the test cannot be used to encourage others to drink more.” You shouldn’t.” [alcohol] There was no impact,” Dr. Fred Davis, vice president of emergency medicine at Northwell Health in Long Island, New York, told FOX News Digital.
Tips for responsible drinking
For those who enjoy a cocktail every now and then, Makenzi Molitor, a registered dietitian and sports nutritionist at Long Island University in Brookville, New York, has some advice.
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“If you're someone who feels like your body is screaming after one drink, it may be best to stop drinking,” she told Fox News Digital. “However, we recommend that people who wish to consume alcohol, regardless of their DNA mutation, consider both the quality and quantity of their drinks.”
Distilled spirits with high alcohol content, such as vodka, whiskey and rum, can worsen symptoms, nutritionists have warned. (St. Petersburg)
Molitor recommends choosing high-quality alcohols that are rich in beneficial anti-inflammatory polyphenols, such as orange wine or other naturally fermented, low-sugar wines.
Distilled spirits with high alcohol content, such as vodka, whiskey and rum, can worsen symptoms, nutritionists have warned.
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“Regardless of what you drink, try to limit your alcohol intake to the recommended one drink a day for women and two drinks a day for men,” Molitor advised.
Lee told FOX News Digital that alcohol-related liver disease is the leading cause of liver transplants in the United States.
Experts advise women to limit their alcohol intake to one drink a day and men to two drinks a day.
Liver transplant specialists say efforts to reduce risk and prevent alcohol-related morbidity and mortality are “equal to improving population and individual health.”
“For anyone concerned about developing liver disease due to drinking alcohol, consulting a liver specialist should be the first step,” Lee advised.
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Fox News Digital reached out to multiple testing companies that sell DNA test kits for further comment, but did not receive a response.
