Endogenous alcohol (EA) is ethanol that is produced naturally in all living humans. The resulting blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is generally low. But auto-brewery syndrome is linked with very high BACs. It occurs after eating meals rich in carbs.

Everyone has EA in their bloodstream. But auto-brewery is rare. Its origin is in the small bowel. There, very high levels of yeast convert carbs into ethanol. A type of yeast, S. cerevisiae is the major cause of this condition.

Auto-brewery is different from the usual fermentation in the large bowel. Normal yeast levels in the large bowel produce ordinary levels EA.

The Study

This study looked at the effect of diabetes, liver cirrhosis, and both on BAC. That was after eating a meal rich in carbs.

Studied were controls, those with diabetes, those with liver cirrhosis, and those with both diseases. After they consumed large quantities of carbs, their BAC was measured. The BAC of the controls was the lowest. The BAC of those with either diabetes or liver cirrhosis was much higher. The highest BAC was among those with both diseases.

Drivers with diabetes or liver cirrhosis should be aware that eating eating meals rich in carbs can increase their BAC. This is especially the case if they suffer from both diseases.

Note: Liver problems that prevent the body from breaking down alcohol normally can also cause high BAC without drinking.

Resources

Web

• • How Can I Sober-Up Fast?
  • How Long Does Alcohol Stay in Your Body?
  • “Beer Battered” DWI Defense.
  • Unreliable Breath Tests.
  • How Long Can Urine Alcohol Tests Detect Drinking?
  • Alcohol Tests (Hair, Saliva, Sweat). What You Need to Know.
  • EtG Urine Alcohol Test Unreliable.

Readings

• • Adams, C. Designated drunk. Can you get intoxicated without actually drinking alcohol?
  • Doucleff, M. Auto Brewery Syndrome.
  • Geertinger, P., et al. Endogenous alcohol production. Zeits fur Rech, 89(3), 167-172.
  • LaMotte, S. Woman claims her body brews alcohol, has DUI charge dismissed.
  • Logan, B. and Jones, A. Endogenous ethanol ‘auto brewery syndrome’ as a drunk driving defence. Med Sci Law, 40(3), 206-215.
  • Thompson, H. The Man who gets drunk on chips.

Source

• • Hafez, E., et al. Auto-brewery syndrome. Hum. Exp. Toxi.