Alcohol metabolism

Alcohol metabolism refers to the process by which alcohol is broken down and eliminated by the body. Alcohol is metabolized in the body mainly by the liver, but also by the brain, pancreas, and stomach. The enzymes alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1), and catalase all contribute to oxidative metabolism of alcohol. ADH converts alcohol (i.e., ethanol) to acetaldehyde. This reaction involves an intermediate carrier of electrons.