‘Alcohol gene’ could predict how cocktails may affect you — and there’s a test for it

Do you feel like you “can’t stand alcohol” — or feel nauseous, flushed, or have a racing heart after enjoying even small amounts of your favorite cocktail?

These could be signs that you have an inheritance alcohol intolerance — and a mutated gene could be the culprit, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

This gene mutation inhibits the body’s ability to produce an enzyme that helps break down alcohol and eliminate its byproducts from the body, health experts say.

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Alcohol intolerance testing

An at-home DNA test could reveal whether you have the mutation that causes this alcohol problem.

The test looks for mutations in the ADH and ALDH genes, which affect metabolism, according to several websites of the lab companies that make the test kits.

A mutated gene could cause hereditary alcohol intolerance, according to the Cleveland Clinic. (iStock)

The test kit, which costs about $150, involves taking a cheek swab and sending the sample back to a lab company to see if gene mutations are present.

Results usually come in less than two weeks, according to the websites of several testing companies.

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“A simple mouth swab is all we need to know if you’ve inherited DNA changes that affect your ability to metabolize alcohol and can increase your risk of serious health complicationsGenex Diagnostics, a Seattle-based company that specializes in DNA testing, posted on its website.

The gene mutation inhibits the body’s ability to produce an enzyme that helps break down alcohol and remove its byproducts from the body, health experts say. (iStock)

dr. Frances Lee — a hepatologist (liver doctor) who specializes in alcohol-related liver disease at Mount Sinai Health Systems in New York City — is not affiliated with any lab company, but commented to Fox News Digital about these test kits.

“The genes in question are ADH1B, ADH1C and ALDH2,” Lee told Fox News Digital.

The ADH1B and ADH1C genes help break down ethanol (alcohol) into the chemical acetaldehyde, he said. The ALDH2 gene then helps oxidize acetaldehyde into acetic acid.

“Mutation or not, I urge all who wish to consume alcohol to consider the quality and quantity of their drinks.”

“This is an important step in ethanol metabolism, because acetaldehyde is toxic and inflammatory to cells,” Lee said.

“Variations in the ALDH2 gene can cause acetaldehyde dehydrogenase to work more slowly, leading to a buildup of acetaldehyde levels in the body.”

The test kit, which costs about $150, involves taking a cheek swab and sending the sample back to a lab company to see if gene mutations are present. (iStock)

Acetaldehyde is also associated with some of the unpleasant symptoms of alcohol poisoning, such as headachesflushing, hives and nausea, according to Lee.

This type of genetic test can give an individual at least a partial explanation for their alcohol intolerance, Lee told Fox News Digital.

Potential disadvantages of genetic testing

All genetic tests should be approached with caution because they can sometimes lead to more questions than answers, according to Lee.

Other health experts told Fox News Digital that there are pros and cons to this type of genetic testing.

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“I can imagine a case where this test could encourage a person to drink less if a previously unknown heterozygosity in ALDH2 is detected,” Mount Sinai’s Lee told Fox News Digital. “If that happens, I would consider this test to have a favorable outcome.”

However, there is a possibility that the test will not reveal anything genetic variationswhich could be interpreted as a license to drink even more.

All genetic tests should be approached with caution as they can sometimes lead to more questions than answers, one expert warned. (iStock)

“This would be an example of an adverse outcome,” Lee said.

While a DNA test can confirm that someone has a defective gene that makes them more sensitive to the effects of alcohol at lower doses, “it should not be used to encourage others to drink more [alcohol] without consequences,” Dr. Fred Davis, Associate Chair emergency medicine at Northwell Health in Long Island, New York, told Fox News Digital.

Tips for responsible drinking

For those who want to enjoy the occasional cocktail, Makenzi Mollitor, a registered dietitian and sports dietitian at Long Island University in Brookville, New York, has some advice.

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“If you’re someone who feels like their body is screaming at them after even one drink, then abstinence might be best for you,” she told Fox News Digital. “However, alcohol DNA mutation or not, I urge anyone who wishes to consume alcohol to consider both the quality and quantity of their drinks.”

Spirits that have a higher concentration of alcohol, such as vodka, whiskey and rum, could worsen symptoms, the dietitian warned. (iStock)

Mollitor recommends choosing a quality alcohol, such as orange wine or other naturally fermented low-sugar wines that are high in beneficial polyphenols with anti-inflammatory properties.

Strong drinks that have a higher concentration of alcohol, such as vodka, whiskey and rum, can worsen symptoms, the dietitian warned.

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“Regardless of what you choose to consume, try to limit your alcohol intake to the recommended one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men,” advises Mollitor.

Alcohol-related liver disease is the leading cause of liver transplants in the United States, Lee told Fox News Digital.

The expert advises that you limit your alcohol intake to the recommended one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.

According to liver transplant specialist.

“For people who are concerned about developing liver disease as a result of alcohol consumption, talking to a liver specialist should be the first step,” advises Lee.

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Fox News Digital reached out to several lab companies that sell DNA testing kits for further comment, but did not hear back.