It was already well-known that alcohol consumption offers little benefit to the human body. Alcoholic beverages are known to damage the liver, negatively impact the cardiovascular system, and impair brain function. However, recent research suggests that the detrimental effects of alcohol on the brain have been significantly underestimated.
The findings of a study conducted by international scientists were published in the journal Nature Metabolism, shedding new light on alcohol’s harmful impact on the brain.
The Study’s Findings
Alcohol’s harmful influence on brain activity has long been recognized. It’s well-known that the liver metabolizes alcohol into acetaldehyde, a compound responsible for slurred speech and coordination problems. Acetaldehyde is further converted into acetate by the enzyme ALDH2.
In an experiment involving rodents, scientists removed the ALDH2 enzyme, which made the mice less sensitive to brain function disruptions typically caused by alcohol consumption. This led researchers to conclude that alcohol has a direct impact on brain regions responsible for coordination, emotions, impulse control, and decision-making.
New Insight on Acetate
The study also revealed that acetate, previously considered harmless, is actually detrimental to brain health. Until recently, acetate was thought to be an innocuous byproduct of alcohol metabolism. However, this new research indicates that it may contribute to the harmful effects of alcohol on the brain.
These findings underscore the importance of re-evaluating the risks associated with alcohol consumption, particularly in relation to brain health. The newly discovered impact of acetate on the brain suggests that the dangers of alcohol are more extensive than previously understood.