ABC of alcohol. Alcohol in the body.

Abstract

Alcohol (ethanol) is a drug, and health professionals should know something of its physiological and pathological effects and its handling by the body. It is a small, water soluble molecule that is relatively slowly absorbed from the stomach, more rapidly absorbed from the small intestine, and freely distributed throughout the body. Alcoholic drinks are a major source of energy—for example, six pints of beer contain about 500 kcal and half a litre of whisky contains 1650 kcal. The daily energy requirement for a moderately active man is 3000 kcal and for a woman 2200 kcal.