what has the primary responsibility for eliminating alcohol
The liver. NIAAA says most of the ethanol in the body is broken down in the liver by an enzyme called alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH). Heavy drinking over time can damage the liver.
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How the liver breaks alcohol down
- The enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) converts ethanol into acetaldehyde, which NIAAA calls a toxic compound and known carcinogen.
- Aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) then converts acetaldehyde into acetate, which is less toxic.
Other pathways
NIAAA says CYP2E1 and catalase also convert alcohol to acetaldehyde. CYP2E1 becomes active only after large amounts of alcohol, and catalase handles only a small fraction. Small amounts are also converted to acetaldehyde in the gastrointestinal tract, and small amounts are removed by interacting with fatty acids.
What this means for sobering up
The pages we read do not give a speed for how fast the liver clears alcohol, and they do not say that coffee, water or a shower speeds it up. We make no claim about that. Our standard drink calculator counts drinks, not time to sober up.
Liver risk
NIAAA says heavy drinking takes a toll on the liver and can lead to problems including alcohol-associated steatosis, hepatitis, fibrosis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. If you are worried about your liver or your drinking, talk to a doctor.
People also ask
Which organ eliminates most alcohol?
The liver. NIAAA says most ethanol in the body is broken down there by the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase.
What does the body turn alcohol into?
ADH converts ethanol to acetaldehyde, and ALDH converts acetaldehyde to the less toxic acetate.
Can heavy drinking harm the liver?
Yes. NIAAA lists steatosis, hepatitis, fibrosis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma among the liver problems heavy drinking can lead to.
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