Journal Published Online: 01 March 1993
Volume 38, Issue 2

The Effect of Food on Alcohol Absorption and Elimination Patterns

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

The same nine subjects (six male, three female) were given near bolus doses of alcohol (0.69 g/kg) on two occasions separated by one week. They were instructed to consume the alcohol as rapidly as possible (12.1 min average). The alcohol was consumed after dilution to 15% with fruit punch mix. Both phases of the experiment were conducted in a similar manner with the exception of stomach condition. In Phase I the alcohol was consumed immediately after a large meal. In Phase II, the alcohol was consumed after an approximate 6 h fast. An Intoxilyzer 4011A was used to measure Breath Alcohol Concentration (BrAC), beginning immediately after the alcohol was consumed and ending approximately 4 h after the end of drinking. The BrACs were measured in grams per 210 L of breath, at approximate 8 min intervals over the course of the experiment. The alcohol absorption and elimination curves were plotted and evaluated for each subject in both experiments. The average time required to reach maximum BrAC was 41 min for both empty and full stomach conditions. The average elimination rate of ethanol was found to be significantly lower after a meal (0.017 BrAC/h compared to 0.020 BrAC/h) but the time required to reach zero BrAC was not significantly different (5.01 h full stomach, 5.05 h empty stomach).

Author Information

Watkins, RL
Phoenix Crime Detection Laboratory, Phoenix, AZ
Adler, EV
Arizona Department of Public Safety Crime Laboratory, Phoenix, AZ
Pages: 7
Price: $25.00
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Stock #: JFS13407J
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS13407J