Alcohol sensitivity varies by person
About 40% of Japanese people are sensitive to alcohol!
It is said that people of Mongoloid descent, such as the Japanese, are more sensitive to alcohol than people of European or African descent. For some reason, a genetic mutation occurred in some of the Mongoloids, and they have less functional ALDH2 enzyme (aldehyde dehydrogenase 2), which breaks down the harmful substance acetaldehyde that is produced when drinking alcohol. As time has passed, the number of people of Mongoloid descent who are sensitive to alcohol has gradually increased. Today, the presence of low-activity (including inactive) ALDH2 is a characteristic of the Mongoloids. Incidentally, low-activity ALDH2 is not found in black or white people.
Alcohol sensitivity is inherited
The Mongoloid descendants’ sensitivity to alcohol is due to the genetic nature of having weak or absent ALDH2 activity from birth.
If the activity of ALDH2 is weak or absent, the body is unable to quickly process the harmful alcohol breakdown product acetaldehyde, so even small amounts of alcohol can easily cause a bad hangover. For this reason, if both parents are sensitive, you have inherited a “sensitive constitution.” It is important to know your own constitution and let those around you know, and stick to a drinking style that suits your constitution, rather than making unreasonable efforts to become more tolerant to alcohol.
Relationship between genotype and alcohol tolerance
| Genotype | Enzyme ALDH2 activity type | People who are strong or weak with alcohol | Remarks | Occurrence rate by race | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black | White | Mongoloid(Japanese) | ||||
| NN type: | “Active type” with stable and normal activity. | It is said to be “people who are strong with alcohol”. | Be careful not to become an alcoholic. | 100% | 100% | 56% |
| ND type: | “Low activity type” with only 1/16 the activity of the NN type. | It is said that this type of person is “weak to alcohol” or “able to drink in moderation”. | Don't try to become stronger, and stick to the recommended amount. | 0% | 0% | 40% |
| DD type: | “Inactive type” with completely inactivated ALDH2 activity. | It is said that this type of person is “completely weak to alcohol”. | You cannot drink alcohol. | 0% | 0% | 4% |
Differences due to gender and age
The appropriate amount varies from person to person, as it is affected by several factors, including gender, age, constitution, and health condition. In addition, people with a history of alcoholism or substance abuse should avoid drinking altogether. It is important to be fully aware of the complex factors involved in the differences so that you will not judge the appropriate amount for yourself.
Differences due to gender
Due to differences in body build and the effects of female hormones, women tend to break down alcohol more slowly than men. Because they have more body fat and less water, they tend to have a high blood alcohol concentration.
Differences due to age
People under the age of 20 do not have sufficient alcohol-breaking enzymes, and this can have a variety of adverse effects on their bodies and minds. For this reason, underage drinking is prohibited by law. In addition, as people get older, their ability to metabolize alcohol decreases, and they become more easily intoxicated.
Check to find out your alcohol sensitivity
You can find out whether you have a high or low alcohol tolerance through a genetic analysis, but there is also a simple ethanol patch test that anyone can take. The alcohol flush reaction, which is a symptom of a low alcohol tolerance, is a condition in which the face turns red when drinking alcohol.
Ethanol Patch Test
Step1
Attach a small piece of gauze to a piece of tape and soak the gauze in 70% rubbing alcohol.
Step2
Attach the adhered gauze to the smooth side of the upper arm.
Step3
After 7 minutes, remove the gauze and check the color of the skin.
Step4
After another 10 minutes, recheck the color of the skin to see the reaction.
Judgment result
If the area turns red, it is judged to be a “red type constitution;” if there is no change, it is considered a “white type constitution.
People with a red type of constitution, who turn red in the face after drinking a small amount of alcohol, are sensitive to alcohol because they have low or no activity of the enzyme that breaks down acetaldehyde, which causes bad hangovers.
-
*Notes
-
Do not drink alcohol when doing this test.
-
Do this test when resting (avoid doing it immediately after exercise).
-
Do not let the ethanol spill outside the gauze.
-
Do not tighten the hand that has the tape attached.
-
Do not press down on the tape that has been applied.
-
- Inventor
- Susumu Higuchi, National Hospital Organization Kurihama Medical and Addiction Center
The era of drinking at your own pace
In the current global trend of human rights protection, we are entering an era that values the human rights of women, LGBT people, and other members of society who are considered to be minorities. It is also an era where alcohol is enjoyed at one's own pace, with consideration given to each individual's constitution and physical condition. Alcohol is something that is enjoyed for the sake of spending a comfortable time for oneself. For this reason, it is important to know the type of alcohol that suits you and how to drink it and to be able to enjoy a long and peaceful relationship with alcohol that enriches your life.
The era where you can choose your favorite way of drinking
In terms of being able to choose your favorite drink, it is also important to note that the types of drinks available have increased dramatically. Not only are famous drinks from all over the country and the world becoming more available, but low-alcohol drinks and other drinks that meet various needs are also coming to the market.
Whether you want to try a drink from the same region as the food you are eating, or you are not very tolerant of alcohol but want to enjoy yourself with everyone else, it is now possible to choose a drinking style that fits your preferences.
