Question

In the liver, alcohol is converted into which toxic substance?

• A. Formic acid
• B. Acetaldehyde
• C. Nicotine
• D. Urea

Answer 1

The correct option is B Acetaldehyde

There are 2 ways that alcohol can be processed by your liver. Most alcohol is broken down, or metabolised, by an enzyme in your liver cells known as alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH). ADH breaks down alcohol into acetaldehyde and then another enzyme, aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), rapidly breaks down acetaldehyde into acetate. The acetate is further metabolised and eventually leaves your body as carbon dioxide and water.

Acetaldehyde is a toxic substance that can cause an unpleasant reaction when it builds up. Symptoms you might experience if your ALDH enzyme does not function properly include flushing of the face, hot sensations, nausea and palpitations (an awareness of your heart beating faster than normal).

Therefore, the correct answer is option B.