Did you know that some Japanese, Chinese and Korean individuals may not tolerate alcohol well?

Some people of Chinese or Japanese descent may be sensitive to certain effects of alcohol, such as facial flushing, commonly referred to as the “Asian flush” or “Asian glow”. This phenomenon is due to a genetic variant that leads to a reduced capacity to efficiently metabolize alcohol, resulting in an accumulation of toxic substances in the body. This genetic variant is more common in individuals of East Asian descent, including Chinese, Japanese, and Korean people. Approximately 30% to 50% of these individuals carry this genetic variant. As a result, some Chinese, Japanese, and Korean individuals may have a decreased tolerance for alcohol and may experience negative reactions after consuming it. However, it is important to note that not all Chinese, Japanese, and Korean individuals will exhibit the same reaction to alcohol, as individual differences and other factors play a role.

The photo accompanying this article was created by Christian Kadluba via flickr.com