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The Alcohol Metabolism DNA Test evaluates an individual’s rate of metabolizing alcohol.

Not everyone processes alcohol the same way. Your genetics play a significant role in how your body breaks down alcohol, affecting your tolerance, risk of side effects, and long-term health implications. By understanding your unique alcohol metabolism, you can make informed choices about drinking, reduce potential health risks, and optimize your well-being.

Here are the main reasons to take the test:

• Know Your Tolerance – Discover if you break down alcohol quickly or slowly, influencing how intoxicated you feel.
• Avoid Unpleasant Reactions – Some people experience flushing, nausea, or rapid heartbeat due to genetic variations.
• Understand Your Risk Factors – Certain genetic traits can increase the risk of alcohol-related health issues, such as liver disease or high blood pressure.
• Personalized Health Insights – Use your results to make lifestyle choices that align with your body’s natural ability to process alcohol.

This test examines gene ADH1C involved in alcohol metabolism. The ADH1C gene encodes for one of the subunits of the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase 1C (ADH1C), which plays a key role in alcohol metabolism. This enzyme is involved in the first step of ethanol degradation in the liver, turning it into acetaldehyde, a toxic substance that must be rapidly disposed of to avoid harmful effects.

The enzyme ADH1C oxidises ethanol into acetaldehyde, which is then metabolised into acetic acid by the enzyme ALDH2. The speed of this conversion can affect alcohol tolerance and the risk of side effects. The ADH1C gene has variants that influence the activity of the enzyme:

• ADH1C*1 (variant A) → Produces a more active enzyme, metabolizing alcohol more quickly into acetaldehyde.
• ADH1C*2 (variant G) → Produces a less efficient enzyme, slowing down the conversion of ethanol.

Individuals with the AA variant (ADH1C*1/*1) tend to metabolize alcohol more quickly, which leads to obtaining positive effects, at low doses, such as euphoria, relaxation, disinhibition, and increased sociability. But the negative effects will also be obtained more quickly: facial flushing, headache, nausea, tachycardia, sweating.

Those with the GG variant (ADH1C*2/*2) metabolize alcohol more slowly, which can increase the risk of addiction and liver damage with prolonged consumption.

Individuals with the AG variant have an intermediate metabolism.

This test is perfect for anyone curious about how their body handles alcohol and those looking to make data-driven lifestyle choices.

For an example of a report and related recommendations to follow, please click here:

A DNA test for alcohol metabolism does not require you to provide a blood sample. Our test is performed using buccal swabs that we provide in our home sample collection kit. Collecting samples is quick and easy, as long as you follow the instructions provided carefully.

Sample collection instructions can be found on our “How to Collect DNA Samples” page.

Please read our terms and conditions for clinical and health-related testing carefully and make sure you understand them before placing an order.

Please contact us with any questions or to place an order.

We also offer metabolism tests for Vitamin D, caffeine and folate. For more information please click here.

Disclaimer: Test results are for informational and/or educational purposes only and should NOT be used to make medical, health or other decisions without consulting a physician. Always talk to your physician and seek professional help before taking action. This test is not a substitute for a visit to a physician, or the advice or services of a physician or other qualified healthcare professional.

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