Alcohol is injurious to health but a gel may reduce harmful effects, claim researchers

Alcohol is injurious to health, especially for those who are inclined towards frequent and excessive drinking. However, a protein gel has been developed by a group of researchers which is claimed to have neutralized the detrimental impact of alcohol even before it enters the bloodstream, New York Post reported citing a paper on SciTechDaily.

Researchers at ETH Zurich have achieved a remarkable feat with the development of a gel that demonstrates promising potential in reducing blood alcohol levels in mice by up to 50 percent while concurrently safeguarding their bodies from alcohol-induced damage, New York Post reported.
When consuming alcohol, it typically enters the bloodstream through mucous-membrane layers lining the stomach and intestines. Unlike food, which undergoes gradual digestion in the intestinal tract, alcohol bypasses this process and is swiftly absorbed into the bloodstream. Consequently, it promptly begins to exert its effects on all organs as the bloodstream circulates throughout the body, leading to rapid alterations in physical and cognitive functions.

During the metabolic breakdown of alcohol, it generates a harmful byproduct known as acetaldehyde. While this toxin is relatively short-lived, as alcohol is subsequently metabolized into acetate, acetaldehyde still poses a significant threat to the body during its brief presence.

The innovative gel facilitates a shift in the alcohol breakdown process, diverting it from the liver to the digestive tract. Unlike the conventional metabolism of alcohol in the liver, this alternative route eliminates the production of harmful acetaldehyde as an intermediate byproduct.

Further research is essential before the gel can proceed to human trials, yet the scientists are optimistic that their efforts may ultimately contribute to the prevention of the approximately 3 million deaths occurring annually worldwide as a result of excessive alcohol consumption.

With further research and development, this gel could offer new avenues for mitigating the adverse effects of alcohol consumption and improving overall well-being.

FAQs:

Q1. Is alcohol injurious to health?
A1. Excessive drinking is injurious to health.

Q2. What happens to alcohol?
A2. During the metabolic breakdown of alcohol, it generates a harmful byproduct known as acetaldehyde.