Alcohol consumption and C-vitamin

  • Thread starter Bajskorv
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Alcohol
In summary, consuming vitamin C while drinking alcoholic beverages will not prevent the harmful effects of alcohol on the body, such as a hangover. This is because vitamin C has no effect on the production of acetaldehyde, the main cause of hangovers. Additionally, the body can adapt to frequent alcohol consumption by producing more enzymes to help break down harmful chemicals, but this does not negate the negative effects on organs.
  • #1
Bajskorv
1
0
Hi!

Lets say I consume some alcoholic beverages and would at the same time drink some C-vitamin powder (ascorbic acid) dissolved in water. Would the intake of C-vitamin be able to prevent the harmful effects of alcohol on my body?
 
Biology news on Phys.org
  • #2
This will not work. You will still be poisoned, and what is responsible for your hangover can't be neutralized at all. Usual nutrition in our modern societies contains more vitamin C as necessary anyway.
 
  • #3
Acetalhehyde, created by alcohol metabolism, causes a hangover. Vitamin C has zero effect on this.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acetaldehyde_dehydrogenase
In a sense: This enzyme cures a hangover. Slowly.

Your body has an epigenetic (plastic) response to drinking. It "learns" to make more of the enzymes that are in the biochemical pathway, and so if repeatedly drink for long periods, other than organ damage, you do get a boost in the clearing of nasty chemicals because of increased enzymatic activity.

Thread closed.
 
  • Like
Likes berkeman

1. What is the relationship between alcohol consumption and C-vitamin levels?

The more alcohol a person consumes, the lower their C-vitamin levels tend to be. This is because alcohol interferes with the absorption and storage of C-vitamin in the body.

2. Can drinking alcohol decrease the effectiveness of C-vitamin supplements?

Yes, excessive alcohol consumption can decrease the effectiveness of C-vitamin supplements. This is because alcohol can interfere with the body's ability to absorb and utilize the nutrients from the supplements.

3. How does alcohol consumption affect the body's ability to produce C-vitamin?

Alcohol can deplete the body's stores of C-vitamin and also interfere with the body's ability to produce it. This can lead to a deficiency in C-vitamin and its associated health problems.

4. Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking C-vitamin supplements?

It is generally safe to consume alcohol in moderation while taking C-vitamin supplements. However, excessive alcohol consumption can decrease the effectiveness of the supplements and lead to potential health risks.

5. Are there any interactions between alcohol and C-vitamin that I should be aware of?

Yes, there are potential interactions between alcohol and C-vitamin. Alcohol can interfere with the absorption and utilization of C-vitamin in the body, leading to potential deficiencies and health problems. It is important to consume alcohol in moderation and maintain a balanced diet to ensure adequate C-vitamin levels.

Similar threads

  • Biology and Medical
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • Biology and Medical
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
131
Views
4K
Replies
21
Views
3K
  • Biology and Medical
Replies
6
Views
3K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • Biology and Medical
Replies
2
Views
6K
  • Biology and Medical
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Biology and Medical
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • Materials and Chemical Engineering
Replies
9
Views
4K
Back
Top