Alcohol consumption and C-vitamin

  • Thread starter Thread starter Bajskorv
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Alcohol
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the ineffectiveness of Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) in mitigating the harmful effects of alcohol consumption. Participants concluded that while Vitamin C is beneficial for overall health, it does not neutralize acetaldehyde, the toxic byproduct of alcohol metabolism responsible for hangovers. The body does adapt to alcohol consumption by increasing the production of enzymes involved in its metabolism, but this adaptation does not prevent hangover symptoms.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of alcohol metabolism and its byproducts, specifically acetaldehyde.
  • Basic knowledge of Vitamin C and its role in human health.
  • Familiarity with enzymatic pathways related to detoxification.
  • Awareness of epigenetic responses in relation to substance consumption.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the role of acetaldehyde dehydrogenase in alcohol metabolism.
  • Explore the biochemical pathways involved in detoxification and enzyme production.
  • Investigate the effects of chronic alcohol consumption on enzymatic activity.
  • Learn about the nutritional requirements for optimal liver health and detoxification.
USEFUL FOR

Health professionals, nutritionists, individuals interested in the effects of alcohol on the body, and anyone seeking to understand the relationship between Vitamin C and alcohol consumption.

Bajskorv
Messages
1
Reaction score
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
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.
 
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   Reactions: berkeman

Similar threads

  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 131 ·
5
Replies
131
Views
10K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
7K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
5K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
5K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
5K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K