Studies on the consumption of alcohol showed that there was a correlation on how much a person drinks as well as their response to alcohol at a genetic level. Data showed that nearly 40% of individuals of Asian decent (Japanese, Chinese, Koreans, and Vietnamese) had somewhat of a defense against alcoholism. In their genetic make-up, they lack in the production of an enzyme that assists in metabolizing ethanol. Lacking in this enzyme causes individuals to have flushed faces when drinking. In my opinion, this study could have been expanded. If researchers can develop a way to test an individuals production of that enzyme, doctors and geneticists can advise a person on taking steps toward decreasing their alcohol intake if they produce the enzyme in excess.
Article Link: http://www.enterprisepub.com/opinion/columns/genetics-can-determine-how-much-you-drink/article_b3b112ea-3cbd-11e8-a26e-272e1f1b9456.html
Genetics of Alcoholism: https://www.addictioncenter.com/alcohol/genetics-of-alcoholism/
Dear Mike,
ReplyDeleteI dont rememeber from where I read it but I did hear somehing similar too what is being explaied in this article. I think its pretty interesting that because a certain enzyme is not produced by the body in some individuals it makes their tolorence to alcohol much stronger. Going back to that comment that states that "individuals whom drink in moderation were found to live longer than those who consume none at all", from what Ive read there are benefits from drinking one beer a day or one glass a day. Like you said ore research should be done on this topic.