Individuals with which enzyme deficiency often experience adverse reactions to alcohol?

Individuals with acetaldehyde deficiency experience adverse reactions to alcohol due to the accumulation of acetaldehyde, a byproduct of alcohol metabolism. When alcohol is consumed, it is first converted into acetaldehyde by the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase. Typically, acetaldehyde is then rapidly converted into a less harmful substance, acetate, by the enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase.

In individuals who have a deficiency in the enzyme that breaks down acetaldehyde, this metabolite can accumulate in the body. High levels of acetaldehyde are associated with unpleasant symptoms such as flushing, nausea, and tachycardia, which are often referred to as hangover symptoms. This can make consuming alcohol intolerable for these individuals, leading to a reduction or avoidance of consuming alcoholic beverages altogether.

In contrast, the other options relate to various aspects of alcohol metabolism and detoxification, but they do not specifically address the adverse reactions resulting from acetaldehyde accumulation in individuals lacking adequate breakdown capabilities.