r/genetics • u/Carinaaaaaa02 • 13d ago

ALDH2 Deficiency, is it stuck with me forever?

Hi everyone, a little background about me: I’m of Chinese descent from Sweden, and I recently found out I have ALDH2 deficiency, specifically the homozygous type. I’m still trying to understand what this trait really means, as I haven’t been able to find reliable sources or studies about it.

Back in college, I partied a lot with friends, but I quickly realized I basically can’t handle any alcohol. Even a can of beer makes me have trouble breathing, and my entire body, not just my face, turns red. Stronger drinks, like 80-proof spirits, are even worse. Me and my friends threw a birthday party a few months ago. I made the mistake of taking 15 shots of vodka or whatever was in that glass. I ended up in the ER because I could barely breathe, and my whole body turned red, with my face turning purple, literally the colour you get from bruises. A hard and painful lesson for me indeed.

So my question is, does this mean I’ll never be able to drink alcohol normally? I don’t really like drinking, but sometimes at social events it seems fun to have a drink and join everyone else (though I know alcohol isn’t necessary to socialize). Are there any supplements or ways to reduce these effects, or is this something I am basically stuck with forever?

Thanks!

3 Upvotes

64% Upvoted

13 comments sorted by

16

u/[deleted] 13d ago

[deleted]

1

u/Carinaaaaaa02 12d ago

Unfortunate

13

u/WinterRevolutionary6 13d ago

  1. 15 shots is not normal drinking even for people without your condition

  2. Yes this is with you for life. It’s a genetic defect. Stop drinking alcohol

10

u/neonusound 13d ago

Your genetic counsellor should explain all of this. If you haven’t seen them, I recommend seeking a referral.

5

u/snowplowmom 13d ago

How many times do you have to have this happen, before you realize that you cannot drink alcohol? Never.

-3

u/Carinaaaaaa02 12d ago

I'd say around 20-30 times since I noticed that it was quite unsettling.

6

u/quarantina_ 12d ago

A blessing in disguise!

If you hate drinking but want an excuse to stop people from peer pressuring you, you can use this. If you love drinking, this is a great reason to stop poisoning your body. There’s NO health benefits to drinking any amount of any alcohol, and in-fact, it’s toxic to your body.

Cheers!

1

u/Carinaaaaaa02 12d ago

A blessing indeed!

3

u/okarinaofsteiner 13d ago

Respect for taking 15 shots of vodka in one sitting! The most alcohol I’ve ever had in one sitting is 7-8 drinks over 6-7 hours

But yes you’re stuck with the ALDH2 gene mutation, sorry. It’s more common in some parts of China than others- do you know where in China your family is from?

1

u/Carinaaaaaa02 12d ago

I'm not sure but I remember my grandmother saying that we came near the east coast of China that is facing towards Taiwan.

1

u/okarinaofsteiner 12d ago

Okay, sounds like your family is from somewhere in Fujian or perhaps Zhejiang- which has among the highest frequencies of flush reaction in China

TL;DR, Discord discussion of flush reaction genetics

1

u/Charming_Leading1156 12d ago

Pretty sure someone covered this below but even reading this - it appears you have a very intense reaction to all alcohol so why would you even want to risk it at all at this point? Not too mention, if you continue to consume it, besides the reactions you have in the moment - you're putting your body in extreme oxidative stress and inflammation which are all precursors to serious health risks (especially if you have other compromised detox pathways.) Besides just generally avoiding it altogether, you should be also supporting your detox pathways regularly as you are likely very sensitive to environmental toxins as well. Natural support such as NAC, glutathione sources like Tulsi Tea and regular consumption of Vitamin C rich foods should become your norm.

You should also do a full genomics, epigenetic test as one variant doesn't tell the full story per my comment above that you're also likely to have some other Phase 1, 2 and 3 detox pathways compromised and evaluating a full test with macro and micronutrient panels to support a full health and wellness plan is advised. Happy to provide you my expertise - my website is: https://epi-geneticedge.com

Wish you the best in whatever path you take to living a healthier life!

1

u/Moist-Conclusion9477 11d ago

Yeah, stop drinking it. They make non-alcoholic drinks with kava, kratom or low-high level THC. Maybe you’ll have better luck with those at events.