Alkoholabgängen

Alkoholabgängen refers to the process by which alcohol is eliminated from the body. This primarily occurs in the liver, where enzymes, most notably alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), break down ethanol. ADH converts alcohol into acetaldehyde, a toxic compound. ALDH then further processes acetaldehyde into acetate, which is less harmful and can be broken down into water and carbon dioxide, or used for energy. A small amount of alcohol is also eliminated unchanged through breath, urine, and sweat.

The rate of alcohol elimination is relatively constant for individuals, often referred to as the metabolic rate. Factors like genetics, sex, body weight, and food intake can influence this rate, but once alcohol is consumed, its breakdown follows a predictable pathway. This metabolic process is crucial for preventing the accumulation of toxic byproducts like acetaldehyde, which can cause nausea, vomiting, and long-term organ damage if not efficiently processed. Understanding alcohol elimination is fundamental to comprehending alcohol's effects on the body and the concept of blood alcohol concentration.