Female Body Differences: Research in humans show that while women typically consume less alcohol than men, they are more susceptible to negative health consequences such as cognitive impairment, heart disease and cirrhosis of the liver due to its effects. Studies have found that in both humans and animal models, females can drink less and for a shorter period of time, and yet experience the same level of effects produced in males. (Medicineworld.org) BUT WHY? Women metabolize alcohol differently. Smaller concentrations of alcohol produce intoxication in women compared to men, even when body sizes are comparable.(niaaa.nih) This is due to: chemical absorption rates: Slower ethanol (chemical found in alcohol) absorption rates resulting in higher levels of ethanol in women after drinking. A study with rats fed ethanol found alcohol-induced liver injury was more severe in female vs. male rats.(ajpji.org) stomach enzymes: Females take a longer time to breakdown alcohol due to lower levels of the primary enzyme, alcohol dehydrogenase, found in the stomach and small intestine. Bryanna Furlong less body water: Since alcohol is dispersed in H20 the female body consequently will have higher concentration levels of alcohol circulating in body than men.(niaaa.nih) Bryanna Furlong

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