What is ethanol metabolism?

Ethanol metabolism refers to the process by which the body breaks down and eliminates ethanol, the type of alcohol found in alcoholic beverages. The majority of ethanol in the body undergoes breakdown in the liver through an enzyme called alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH). During this process, ethanol is transformed into a harmful compound known as acetaldehyde. After being produced by the initial breakdown of ethanol, acetaldehyde is rapidly converted into a less toxic compound known as acetate (CH3COO-) by an enzyme called aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH). Subsequently, acetate undergoes further breakdown into carbon dioxide and water. This latter stage of metabolism primarily occurs in tissues besides the liver. The majority of the acetate produced during alcohol metabolism exits the liver, entering the bloodstream. Subsequently, it undergoes further metabolism in heart, brain cells, and skeletal muscle, ultimately converting to carbon dioxide (CO2).