We thought about cutting this question because of the risk of sounding racist, but before anyone jumps to conclusions, go do some reading about the metabolism of alcohol and specifically the low-Km mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrgenase (ALDH2) isoenzyme.
Yes, that’s right. There is a physiological reason that some Asians, including Chinese, Japanese, and Koreans, get flushed in the face after drinking alcohol.
Here’s what happens: alcohol (ethanol) is metabolized in the liver. In the first step, it is broken down by an enzyme, alcohol dehydrogenase, and forms a toxic compound known as acetaldehyde. Afterthat, a second enzyme called aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) converts the acetaldehyde into acetic acid (the main component of vinegar), which is nontoxic and can be readily converted by your body to provide energy.
Certain Asians lack this second enzyme and the acetaldehyde builds up. The side effects include: skin flushing, increased heart rate, and severe nausea and vomiting. The severity of these symptoms depends on the degree of the enzyme deficiency.
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"Why do Asians turn red after consuming alcohol?" was posted on Thursday, May 8th, 2008 at 11:38 pm.