Alcohol Genes Protect Against Drinking, But May Also Increase Risk of Heart Disease and Mental Health Issues

A new study has uncovered a link between genes that offer protection against heavy drinking and other health conditions. While these genes are known to shield against alcoholism, they may also play a role in heart disease and mental health issues. Scientists conducted a large-scale DNA analysis, examining over 3 million genetic records and focusing on variations in genetic code known as SNPs. These SNPs have previously been linked to lower alcohol consumption and a reduced risk of alcohol use disorder (AUD).

These genes, sometimes referred to as “lightweight genes,” can cause unpleasant reactions to alcohol, such as nausea, which may serve as a deterrent to overconsumption. However, the study suggests that these genes may also be involved in other health areas. Researchers found connections to conditions such as heart disease and mental health issues, though further investigation is needed to understand the nature of these links. The research was led by a group at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine and was recently published in the Lancet eBioMedicine.

According to the corresponding author and associate professor at UC San Diego School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry, individuals who have a minor allele variant of the SNP convert ethanol to acetaldehyde very rapidly, causing negative effects like nausea that overshadow any pleasurable effects of alcohol. The study classified individuals broadly into European, Latin American, and African American groups based on genetic data.