In the average person, what percentage of alcohol is absorbed through the small intestine?.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
Approximately 80-90% of alcohol is absorbed through the small intestine in the average person.
When a person consumes alcohol, it enters the digestive system and is absorbed into the bloodstream. This process begins in the stomach, but the majority of alcohol absorption occurs in the small intestine. The small intestine is specifically designed for nutrient absorption, and its large surface area, with millions of villi (tiny finger-like projections), facilitates this process. Once alcohol enters the small intestine, it passes through the mucous lining of the intestine into the bloodstream, where it is then carried to the liver for processing.
The reason the small intestine is the primary site of alcohol absorption is due to its structure and function. The stomach does absorb some alcohol, but the concentration of alcohol that can pass through the stomach lining is limited, and the absorption rate is slower due to the presence of gastric fluids and food. In contrast, the small intestine is more efficient at absorbing alcohol because it lacks these barriers and is equipped with specialized transport mechanisms for the absorption of various substances, including alcohol.
Once absorbed, alcohol is transported to the liver via the portal vein, where it is metabolized primarily by the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase. The liver processes alcohol at a rate of about one standard drink per hour, but this can vary depending on factors like liver health, genetics, and the presence of food in the stomach.
The speed of absorption can be influenced by several factors. For example, consuming alcohol on an empty stomach leads to faster absorption because there is less food to slow the alcohol’s passage through the stomach. Conversely, drinking alcohol with food can slow absorption, as food delays the emptying of the stomach, allowing alcohol to be absorbed more gradually in the small intestine.