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Alcohol Detoxification, ALDH2, and Your Genetic Profile

Alcohol detoxification is the process your body uses to break down and clear alcohol and related byproducts. Genetic differences in the ALDH2 gene can influence how efficiently you perform this process, how you feel after drinking, and how your body handles certain environmental chemicals called aldehydes.

PlexusDx reports are designed to educate you about genetic predispositions only. They do not diagnose any condition, they do not tell you how much alcohol is safe for you, and they do not replace medical care. Always talk with your healthcare provider about your personal health, alcohol use, and any changes to your diet, lifestyle, or supplement routine.

How Alcohol Detoxification Works

When you drink an alcoholic beverage, your body quickly starts working to break it down. Most of this happens in the liver. The process occurs in two main steps:

  • Step 1: An enzyme converts alcohol into acetaldehyde, a highly reactive and toxic compound. Acetaldehyde is responsible for many of the unpleasant short term effects of drinking, such as facial flushing, nausea, headache, and feeling unwell.
  • Step 2: Another enzyme then converts acetaldehyde into acetate, a much less harmful substance that your body can further break down and remove.

When both steps are working efficiently, acetaldehyde does not linger in the body for long. If the second step is slower or less effective, acetaldehyde can build up, increasing the chance of flushing, discomfort, rapid intoxication, and strong hangovers.

The ALDH2 Gene and Alcohol Detoxification

The ALDH2 gene provides instructions for making a liver enzyme that performs the second step of this process: converting toxic acetaldehyde into harmless acetate. This enzyme is a key part of your internal detoxification system. It helps:

  • Clear acetaldehyde that is formed when your body processes alcohol
  • Detoxify aldehydes from tobacco smoke and fermented foods
  • Process aldehydes from air pollution, frying oils, and certain household products
  • Support overall cellular health by managing reactive aldehyde byproducts

In general, higher ALDH2 enzyme activity supports better handling of aldehydes and may reduce the buildup of acetaldehyde after drinking. Genetic variations in ALDH2 can either maintain typical enzyme function or significantly reduce its activity.

ALDH2 rs671 and Alcohol Response

One of the best studied genetic variants in ALDH2 is called rs671. The version of this variant you carry is described using letters such as GG, AG, or AA. In this report:

  • G is considered the non effect allele (associated with typical ALDH2 activity)
  • A is considered the effect allele (associated with reduced ALDH2 activity)

People who carry one or two copies of the A allele have reduced ALDH2 activity. This can lead to acetaldehyde building up more quickly after alcohol intake. As a result, they often:

  • Flush or turn red in the face shortly after drinking
  • Feel drunk more quickly
  • Experience stronger hangovers

Interestingly, these uncomfortable reactions often cause people with reduced ALDH2 activity to drink less alcohol overall. However, aldehyde exposure can still come from other sources such as smoke and pollution, so supporting detoxification remains important.

Genetic Interpretation: Your ALDH2 rs671 Result

Use the sections below to understand what your own ALDH2 rs671 genotype may mean for alcohol detoxification and aldehyde handling. The information describes genetic predispositions only and is not medical advice.

AA genotype (2 effect alleles): Significantly reduced ALDH2 activity

If you have the AA genotype for rs671, you carry two copies of the effect allele. This pattern is associated with very low ALDH2 enzyme activity and reduced alcohol detoxification ability.

The ALDH2 enzyme is normally responsible for converting toxic acetaldehyde into harmless acetate during alcohol metabolism. With two copies of the A allele, this enzyme is effectively not functioning as intended, so acetaldehyde cannot be efficiently processed and can build up rapidly after even small amounts of alcohol.

This acetaldehyde buildup can lead to:

  • Facial flushing and feeling hot or red in the face
  • Nausea or a generally unwell feeling after drinking
  • Rapid intoxication and feeling the effects of alcohol quickly
  • Strong or prolonged hangovers

Many individuals with this genotype naturally limit or avoid alcohol because of these unpleasant reactions. Supporting detoxification and discussing alcohol use with a healthcare professional can be especially important.

Educational considerations for this genotype include:

  • Being cautious with alcohol intake and recognizing that your body may not clear acetaldehyde efficiently
  • Emphasizing antioxidant rich foods, such as brightly colored fruits and vegetables, to support liver and cellular health
  • Talking with your healthcare provider about whether nutrients like Vitamin B3 (niacin), Magnesium, and Vitamin B12 are appropriate for you, especially if testing suggests low levels
  • Reducing exposure to other aldehyde sources when possible, such as tobacco smoke and heavy air pollution

All changes to alcohol use, supplements, or lifestyle should be discussed with a qualified healthcare provider.

AG genotype (1 effect allele): Moderately reduced ALDH2 activity

If you have the AG genotype for rs671, you carry one copy of the effect allele and one copy of the non effect allele. This pattern is associated with partially reduced ALDH2 enzyme activity.

The A allele can reduce ALDH2 activity by approximately 50 to 70 percent. This means your body still produces some functioning ALDH2 enzyme, but acetaldehyde may not be cleared as efficiently as in people with the GG genotype. As a result, you may notice:

  • Some facial flushing after drinking
  • Feeling the effects of alcohol more quickly than others
  • More intense hangovers or next day fatigue

People with this genotype often develop a natural tendency to drink less or to drink more slowly, because their body gives clear feedback when acetaldehyde builds up.

Educational considerations for this genotype include:

  • Practicing mindful drinking if you choose to consume alcohol, such as drinking slowly and avoiding drinking on an empty stomach
  • Focusing on liver supportive nutrition, including plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and adequate protein
  • Discussing with your healthcare provider whether nutrients like Vitamin B3 (niacin), Magnesium, and Vitamin B12 are appropriate, especially if you have low dietary intake or possible deficiency
  • Being aware of additional aldehyde exposures from smoke, pollution, and certain foods, and reducing these where reasonable

Any decisions about alcohol use, supplements, or health strategies should be made together with your healthcare provider.

GG genotype (0 effect alleles): Typical ALDH2 activity

If you have the GG genotype for rs671, you carry two copies of the non effect allele. This pattern is associated with typical ALDH2 enzyme activity and normal alcohol detoxification ability.

Your ALDH2 enzyme can generally convert acetaldehyde into acetate efficiently, which helps prevent a substantial buildup of acetaldehyde after drinking. People with this genotype often do not experience pronounced flushing and may tolerate alcohol in a more typical way compared to those with reduced ALDH2 activity.

However, normal ALDH2 activity does not mean that alcohol is risk free or that heavy drinking is safe. It simply means your genetic predisposition does not significantly slow this particular detoxification step.

Educational considerations for this genotype include:

  • Continuing to follow general health guidance around moderate alcohol consumption
  • Supporting liver health with a balanced diet that includes antioxidant rich fruits and vegetables
  • Ensuring adequate intake of nutrients such as Vitamin B3, Magnesium, and Vitamin B12 through food or, if needed, supplements discussed with your healthcare provider
  • Being mindful of other sources of aldehydes, such as smoke and air pollution, since ALDH2 also helps process these compounds

For personalized guidance about alcohol use and liver health, it is always best to consult a healthcare professional.

Lifestyle, Diet, and Supplement Considerations

Regardless of your ALDH2 genotype, supporting your body’s natural detoxification processes can be helpful. The ideas below are educational and not tailored medical advice. Your healthcare provider is the best person to help you decide what is appropriate for you.

Everyday Lifestyle Habits

  • Mindful alcohol choices: If you choose to drink, consider slower sipping, alternating alcoholic drinks with water, and avoiding binge drinking.
  • Never drinking on an empty stomach: Eating before or while drinking may help slow alcohol absorption and reduce some acute effects.
  • Prioritizing sleep: Good quality sleep supports liver function and overall recovery.
  • Staying active: Regular physical activity supports metabolic and liver health.

Dietary Support for Detoxification

  • Colorful fruits and vegetables: These are rich in antioxidants that help neutralize reactive byproducts formed during alcohol and aldehyde metabolism.
  • Cruciferous vegetables: Foods such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage contain compounds that support natural detox pathways.
  • Adequate protein: Protein provides amino acids that the liver uses in many detoxification reactions.
  • Hydration: Drinking enough water supports kidney function and helps your body eliminate metabolic byproducts.

Supplement Related Education

Some nutrients are often discussed in relation to ALDH2 and aldehyde metabolism:

  • Vitamin B3 (Niacin): Involved in energy and redox reactions in cells and may support enzymes in detox pathways.
  • Magnesium: A cofactor for many enzymes and important for general metabolic health.
  • Vitamin B12: Plays a role in cellular metabolism and may assist in handling acetaldehyde, especially when deficiency is present.

Supplements are not appropriate for everyone. They can interact with medications and may not be safe for certain medical conditions. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or changing any supplement regimen.

Important Disclaimer

PlexusDx provides genetic information to help you learn about your predispositions, including how your ALDH2 gene may influence alcohol detoxification. This information is educational only. It is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and it does not replace care from your healthcare provider.

Never change your alcohol use, prescription medications, or supplement routine based solely on genetic results. Always discuss your PlexusDx report and any questions or concerns with a qualified healthcare professional who knows your personal medical history.