Acetaldehyde – Dangerous Product of Alcohol Metabolism

TL;DR

Acetaldehyde (ethanal) is a toxic metabolite of alcohol responsible for hangover symptoms and long-term damage to the body, including the risk of cancer. It is formed in the liver as an intermediate product of ethanol conversion and negatively affects the nervous system, digestive system, and DNA. The action of the Esperal implant is based on blocking the breakdown of acetaldehyde, which leads to severe poisoning symptoms after alcohol consumption and effectively discourages drinking. Alcohol detoxification allows the removal of acetaldehyde and other toxins from the body and restoration of electrolyte balance – usually takes 3–5 days and is conducted under specialist supervision. The implant and detox represent a combination supporting people with addiction in returning to sobriety and improving physical and mental health.

What is acetaldehyde and how is it formed?

Acetaldehyde (CH3CHO), also called ethanal, is an organic chemical compound from the aldehyde group. It has the form of a colorless liquid soluble in water and organic solvents. In nature, it occurs in ripe fruits and coffee. Acetaldehyde is also formed in the human liver as a result of alcohol metabolism. This process involves the dehydrogenation of ethanol by a liver enzyme called alcohol dehydrogenase, and its conversion first into acetaldehyde and then into acetic acid. The final product of alcohol metabolism is not harmful to humans, but its intermediate form, acetaldehyde, has toxic effects. It is this compound that is responsible for the physical consequences of alcohol abuse. Chemical formula of acetaldehyde: CH3CHO

How does acetaldehyde affect the body?

Acetaldehyde is the main cause of ethyl alcohol overdose symptoms, the so-called hangover. The impact of this compound on the human body causes the following ailments:

• dizziness

• severe headache

• stomach pain

• nausea

• diarrhea

• light sensitivity

• sound sensitivity

• impaired body motor skills

• dry mouth

• drowsiness

• muscle pain

• general weakness.

Conducted research indicates the carcinogenic properties of acetaldehyde. This compound binds to human DNA, forming so-called adducts, i.e., chemical changes disrupting gene activity. This leads to mutations and chromosomal changes that may be the starting point for cancer. Concentration of acetaldehyde (CH3CHO) in selected alcoholic beverages 1BeverageAverage / typical (mg L−1)Observed range (mg L−1)Light beer (lager)1 – 41 – 20 (up to 63)Beer – various styles≈ 90 – 63Craft cider20 – 308 – 153Red wine≈ 304 – 211White wine≈ 8011 – 125Fortified wine (Sherry, Port)≈ 30090 – 800Brandy / Cognac100 – 15063 – 308Whiskey / Bourbon≈ 1300 – 300Vodka / Spirit< 100 – 30 Read also: How long does the Esperal implant last?

Acetaldehyde and the Esperal implant

The effect of acetaldehyde on the human body is the basis for the action of the Esperal implant, which is a type of pharmacotherapy used as an aid in the treatment of alcohol addiction. The implant takes the form of an implant containing an Esperal tablet – a drug whose active substance is disulfiram. This compound is an inhibitor of aldehyde dehydrogenase, an enzyme actively involved in alcohol metabolism in the liver. As a result of disruption of the ethanol dehydrogenation process in the body of a drinking person, acetaldehyde accumulates and severe poisoning symptoms appear, which occur within 10 minutes of consuming even a small amount of alcohol. These are primarily:

• headaches

• dizziness

• shortness of breath

• nausea

• vomiting

• feeling of heat

• excessive sweating

• facial flushing

• hives

• tachycardia, i.e., rapid heartbeat

• large fluctuations in arterial blood pressure

• feeling of intense fear, including fear of death.

People who, despite having the implant, drank a large amount of alcohol may also experience seizures, and even myocardial infarction and permanent liver damage. The ailments that the patient experiences as a result of acetaldehyde accumulation due to disulfiram action usually persist for 4 to 10 hours. As long as a person with an Esperal implant maintains complete abstinence, they should not experience any unpleasant side effects. The Esperal implant is considered one of the most effective methods of treating alcoholism. It facilitates the formation of conditioned reflexes in the addicted person and effectively discourages further drinking. The Esperal implant is recommended primarily for those alcoholics who do not have sufficiently strong internal motivation to stop drinking and start fighting addiction. It is because of the toxic effect of acetaldehyde that we experience the so-called hangover syndrome.

Alcohol detoxification – method for body cleansing

In the body of a person who has been consuming alcohol for a long time, there is a disturbance in water-electrolyte balance and unfavorable changes in the content of potassium, magnesium, and sodium ions. Alcohol detoxification allows the removal of toxins that are products of alcohol metabolism, including acetaldehyde, and restoration of the optimal level of microelements ensuring proper human functioning. Thanks to body cleansing, it is possible to alleviate symptoms of alcohol poisoning, and often also mental disorders associated with addiction to this substance.

How much time is needed for detoxification after acetaldehyde?

Alcohol detoxification usually takes three to five days. The final duration of this process depends, however, on variables such as:

• degree of addiction

• general health condition

• individual characteristics of the alcoholic.

Detoxification should be carried out under controlled conditions, therefore isolation of the person fighting addiction from both harmful substances and other addicts is necessary. The course of the process is supervised by appropriately qualified medical personnel and psychotherapists with experience in treating alcoholism. Read also: Double personality of an alcoholic – personality change after alcohol The Esperal implant, by disrupting the alcohol digestion process and causing acetaldehyde deposition in the body of a drinking person, forces addicts to maintain abstinence. This allows detoxification to be carried out, as a result of which all biochemical parameters of the body are stabilized. Toxin removal results in improvement of health and general well-being of the alcoholic. It is also the foundation on which the addicted person can build their sobriety and future life without addiction. 1 Data compiled based on professional literature: Brewers Association (2021); Chung et al., 2015; Waterhouse Lab UC Davis (2019); AWRI (2023); Lachenmeier et al., 2008. Ranges represent concentrations determined by gas chromatography methods in finished beverages.

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