Alcohol Metabolism Deficiency (ALMD)
Alcohol flush is a condition prevalent in roughly 8% of the world’s population (>500 million people). Alcohol flush disproportionately affects individuals of Asian descent (approximately 30-40% of Asians are affected by this condition). Alcohol flush is caused by a single gene mutation in the ALDH2 enzyme that impairs its ability to break down toxic acetaldehyde when metabolizing alcohol.
The following effects are associated with alcohol flush:
- Facial Flushing
- Headache
- Nausea
- Increased Heart Rate
Some patients experience a more severe form of alcohol flush, and will therefore, experience more severe symptoms. Administration of ALDH2 will be a very effective treatment for alcohol flush and is another important indication for this enzyme.