DNA Alcohol Intolerance Test
$149.00
Does your face turn red when you drink? Do you experience severe hangovers from just one drink? If you answered yes, you may be alcohol intolerant. Find out your risk of alcohol intolerance with this DNA test.
- Includes mutations in ADH and ALDH genes that affect alcohol metabolism
- Alcohol intolerance is linked to higher risk of esophageal cancer:
– 10X increased risk for moderate drinkers– 90X increased risk for heavy drinkers - People with one or more mutations are harming their health every time they consume alcohol
DESCRIPTION
The majority of the alcohol we consume, which is also known as ethanol, is cleared from our body through a two-step process that involves two enzymes. During the first step of alcohol metabolism, ethanol is converted into acetaldehyde by alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH). Acetaldehyde is a toxic chemical, but it is quickly converted to acetate by aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) during the second step of alcohol metabolism. The end product of this process, acetate, can be easily broken down into carbon dioxide and water.
Individuals with genetic variations in the alcohol metabolism pathway may generate acetaldehyde too quickly or not eliminate it fast enough. This can lead to the dangerous accumulation of acetaldehyde in the body, even when moderate amounts of alcohol are consumed.
To determine whether you have inherited DNA changes that affect your ability to metabolize alcohol and may increase your risk of serious health complications, a simple mouth swab test is all that is needed.
THE GENETICS
Individuals with genetic variations in the alcohol metabolism pathway may either produce acetaldehyde too quickly or have difficulty eliminating it efficiently, leading to a hazardous accumulation of toxic acetaldehyde in the body, even with moderate alcohol consumption.
Identified Genetic Variants
- ADH1B and ADH1C genes convert ethanol to acetaldehyde in the first step of alcohol metabolism. Variants in these genes increase ADH enzyme activity, leading to the accumulation of acetaldehyde.
- ALDH2 gene converts acetaldehyde to acetate in the second step of alcohol metabolism. A common variant in this gene decreases ALDH enzyme activity, resulting in slower elimination of toxic acetaldehyde.
Health Risks for Heterozygotes
Heterozygotes inherit two different versions of a specific gene. The cumulative effect of ADH1B, ADH1C, and ALDH2 genes can impact individuals differently. For example:
- Individuals with two slow ALDH2 alleles have:
- No detectable ALDH enzyme activity
- Severe side effects
- Heterozygotes for ALDH2 (one fast allele and one slow allele) have:
- A 30-50% reduction in ALDH enzyme activity
- Moderate side effects
- An increased risk of health complications, such as:
- A tenfold increase in the risk of esophageal cancer for moderate drinkers
- A ninetyfold increase in the risk of esophageal cancer for heavy drinkers
SYMPTOMS OF ALCOHOL INTOLERANCE
If you are genetically susceptible, every drink you consume is harming your health
- Immediate reactions: facial flushing, nausea, dizziness, headaches, increased heart rate, insomnia, severe hangovers
- Increased risk of esophageal cancer: 10X increased risk for moderate drinkers and up to a 90X increased risk for heavy drinkers
- Cardiovascular problems
- Memory loss
- Mental confusion
- Psychological issues
HOW IT WORKS
Step 1: Order test kit online
Step 2: Collect DNA sample using a painless mouth swab, and mail to the lab in the provided return envelope
Step 3: Receive your results online