How does alcohol break down in the body?

The breakdown of alcohol (ethanol) in the body involves several enzymes and occurs primarily in the liver. The process can be summarized as follows:

1. Alcohol Dehydrogenase (ADH): Alcohol dehydrogenase is the primary enzyme responsible for the initial breakdown of alcohol. It converts ethanol into acetaldehyde in the liver cells. This reaction takes place in the cytosol of the liver cells.

2. Aldehyde Dehydrogenase (ALDH): Acetaldehyde is a toxic substance and must be further metabolized to prevent harm to the body. Aldehyde dehydrogenase converts acetaldehyde into acetate, a harmless substance that can be used as energy or excreted.

3. Cytochrome P450 Enzymes (CYP450): A small portion of alcohol is also metabolized by the cytochrome P450 enzyme system in the liver. These enzymes can oxidize ethanol directly into acetaldehyde or convert it into other metabolites.

4. Catalase: In some cases, a small amount of alcohol can be broken down by the enzyme catalase in the liver. Catalase converts ethanol directly into water and carbon dioxide.

5. Excretion: Once alcohol has been metabolized, the byproducts (acetate and water) are excreted from the body primarily through urine and sweat. A small amount of alcohol can also be excreted through breath and saliva.

It's important to note that the rate at which alcohol is broken down and eliminated from the body varies from person to person and depends on factors such as age, weight, gender, amount of alcohol consumed, and liver function.