Individuals with an alcohol intolerance experience immediate, uncomfortable reactions following the consumption of alcohol. Symptoms related to alcohol intolerance are similar to those seen during an allergic reaction.
- Stuffy nose
- Skin flushing
- Hives
- Facial redness
- Difficulty breathing
- Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
Alcohol intolerance occurs as a result of a genetic predisposition in which the body cannot break down alcohol and/or other toxins commonly found in alcohol. For most, reactions occur in response to:
- Sulfites, tannins and other preservatives
- Poor metabolism
- Chemicals, grains or other ingredients
- Histamines, a common by-product of fermentation
Asian Flush Syndrome
Aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 deficiency causes “Asian flush syndrome,”… one of the most common hereditary enzyme deficiencies, it affects 35%-40% of East Asians and 8% of the world population
Matsumura Y, Stiles KM, Reid J, et al. Gene Therapy Correction of Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 2 Deficiency. Mol Ther – Methods Clin Dev. 2019;15:72–82. Available at: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2329050119300841
As mentioned, people carry different variations of the alcohol dehydrogenase and aldehyde dehydrogenase enzymes and some of these variants work more or less efficiently than others. A deficiency in the aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 also referred to as Asian flush syndrome causes alcohol induced facial flushing, tachycardia, nausea, and headaches.
Complications of Intolerance
- Migraines. Likely the result of histamines contained in some alcoholic beverages – also released during an allergic reaction. Combination of the two drastically elevates histamine levels causing severe headaches and migraines.
- Severe allergic reaction. Anaphylactic reaction can be life threatening and emergency treatment is required.