ABOUT THE GENES

When alcohol is consumed, the body processes it to neutralise its effects. A key player is the enzyme ALDH2, known as aldehyde dehydrogenase 2, encoded by the ALDH gene. This enzyme has a crucial role in transforming harmful acetaldehyde, formed during alcohol metabolism in the liver, into less harmful acetate. Acetaldehyde can cause unpleasant symptoms such as facial flushing, a rapid pulse, nausea and headache. People with a functional ALDH2 enzyme can efficiently break down acetaldehyde into acetate, which is readily eliminated from the body. However, some people may carry genetic variations resulting in a less effective ALDH2 enzyme. Consequently, acetaldehyde accumulates in their bodies even after small amounts of alcohol. This condition is characterised by intense facial flushing, nausea and other unpleasant symptoms.