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How ALDH2 Affects Phase 1 Detoxification

Phase 1 detoxification is the body first step in transforming toxins so they can be eliminated. The ALDH2 gene makes an enzyme that breaks down acetaldehyde, a toxic byproduct of alcohol and a common aldehyde found in tobacco smoke, pollution, some foods, and household products. Differences in ALDH2 can change how quickly your body clears acetaldehyde and related aldehydes. That can affect how you respond to alcohol, how prone you are to flushing, and your overall toxic burden from everyday exposures.

What acetaldehyde buildup can mean for you

  • Flushing, facial warmth, or rapid heart rate after drinking alcohol
  • Stronger or faster onset of intoxication and worse hangovers
  • Greater sensitivity to environmental sources of aldehydes like smoke, exhaust, frying oils, and some cleaning products
  • Potential higher oxidative stress if aldehydes are not cleared efficiently

Genetic Interpretation

2 effect alleles (AA at rs671)

If you have the AA genotype, you carry two copies of the effect allele and have a marked reduction or loss of ALDH2 enzyme activity. Your body has very limited capacity to convert acetaldehyde into acetate. After alcohol use, acetaldehyde can accumulate quickly and cause strong flushing, rapid intoxication, and severe hangovers. The same reduced activity also impairs processing aldehydes that come from sources like tobacco smoke, air pollution, frying oils, and some household cleaners. This increased aldehyde burden can raise oxidative stress and add strain to detoxification systems.

1 effect allele (AG at rs671)

If you have the AG genotype, you carry one copy of the effect allele and typically have moderately reduced ALDH2 enzyme activity, often reported as a 50 to 70 percent decrease. You may notice milder versions of the effects seen with two effect alleles: facial flushing after alcohol, feeling intoxicated faster, worse hangovers, and slower processing of environmental aldehydes. These differences can increase your overall toxic load compared with people who have fully active ALDH2.

0 effect alleles (GG at rs671)

If you have the GG genotype, you carry two copies of the common non-effect allele and generally have normal ALDH2 activity. Your enzyme efficiently breaks down acetaldehyde into acetate, supporting typical Phase 1 detoxification of alcohol derived and environmental aldehydes. With normal ALDH2 activity, you are less likely to experience flushing or rapid intoxication related to acetaldehyde and you tend to clear aldehyde exposures more effectively.

Practical Steps to Support Detoxification

PlexusDx does not provide medical advice. This information is educational only. Always discuss genetic results and any changes to diet, supplements, or lifestyle with your healthcare provider.

Diet recommendations

  • Focus on antioxidant rich fruits and vegetables to reduce oxidative stress. Include berries, citrus, tomatoes, and leafy greens.
  • Eat cruciferous vegetables daily when possible. Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, and kale support general detox pathways.
  • Include sulfur containing foods that support Phase 1 and related detox enzymes: garlic, onions, leeks, and eggs.
  • Choose healthy fats and avoid repeatedly heated oils. Use stable fats like olive oil or avocado oil and avoid deep frying with reused oils that produce aldehydes.
  • Limit processed and charred meats which can contain aldehydes and related compounds.
  • Stay hydrated. Adequate water intake supports elimination pathways.

Supplement considerations

Discuss supplements with your healthcare provider before starting them. Suggested nutrients to support detox and cellular resilience include:

  • Vitamin B3 (niacin or niacinamide) to support energy and NAD dependent detox pathways
  • Vitamin B12 to support methylation and overall cellular health
  • Magnesium for enzyme cofactor support and stress resilience
  • Antioxidant support such as vitamin C and vitamin E when appropriate
  • Nutraceuticals that support liver health may be considered under provider guidance, for example milk thistle or N-acetylcysteine in select situations

Lifestyle and exposure reduction

  • Avoid or minimize alcohol intake. Even small amounts can cause acetaldehyde buildup in people with reduced ALDH2 activity.
  • Do not smoke and avoid secondhand smoke. Tobacco smoke is a significant source of aldehydes.
  • Reduce exposure to indoor sources of aldehydes. Use ventilation when cooking, avoid overheated oils, and choose low volatile organic compound cleaning products.
  • Consider using a HEPA or activated carbon air filter in areas with poor air quality or high pollution.
  • Practice consistent sleep and stress management. Poor sleep and chronic stress impair detox and antioxidant defenses.
  • Maintain a healthy weight and regular physical activity to support liver function and overall metabolic health.

Blood tests and monitoring

  • Work with your healthcare provider to consider baseline labs if you have concerns about liver function or frequent exposures: liver enzyme panel, comprehensive metabolic panel, and markers of inflammation.
  • If you consume alcohol or have environmental exposure concerns, periodic evaluation of liver enzymes and overall metabolic health can help guide risk reduction strategies.
  • For persistent symptoms like severe flushing, palpitations, or unexplained intolerance to substances, consult your provider for personalized assessment.

What to discuss with your healthcare provider

  • Review your ALDH2 result and how it relates to alcohol sensitivity and environmental aldehyde exposure.
  • Decide if lifestyle changes or specific supplements are appropriate given your medical history and current medications.
  • Plan any lab monitoring needed to safely implement changes and to track liver and metabolic health.
  • Discuss referral to a specialist if you have complex liver disease, heavy environmental exposures, or severe symptoms after minimal exposures.

Final notes

Your ALDH2 genotype offers useful information about how your body handles acetaldehyde and related aldehydes. Knowing your genotype lets you make informed choices about alcohol use, environmental exposures, diet, and targeted supports. PlexusDx provides this information to help you understand genetic tendencies and possible lifestyle strategies. This is educational information only and not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making medical or treatment decisions based on genetic information.