Native American Genetics
Thousands of years of alcohol consumption by Europeans create a stark differential in tolerance. A lack of genetic disposition to the toxic substance causes the effects to be much more profound in Native American bodies.
“The present study examined the prevalence of alleles at known functional polymorphisms in the ALDH2, ADH1B, and ADH1C genes, and tested for associations between these polymorphisms and DSM-III-R alcohol dependence. ALDH2, located on chromosome 12q24.2, is the primary enzyme responsible for acetaldehyde metabolism in the liver and thus, represents a logical candidate gene for alcohol dependence. A mutation in ALDH2 (commonly referred to as the ALDH2*2 allele) produces a largely inactive ALDH enzyme that leads to elevated acetaldehyde levels that produces an aversive flushing reaction when alcohol is consumed.” (Ehlers, Liang, et al., 392).
An indigenous drinker will not only experience more dramatic effects, but also become addicted to the substance much faster than the settlers who introduced it.
“The present study examined the prevalence of alleles at known functional polymorphisms in the ALDH2, ADH1B, and ADH1C genes, and tested for associations between these polymorphisms and DSM-III-R alcohol dependence. ALDH2, located on chromosome 12q24.2, is the primary enzyme responsible for acetaldehyde metabolism in the liver and thus, represents a logical candidate gene for alcohol dependence. A mutation in ALDH2 (commonly referred to as the ALDH2*2 allele) produces a largely inactive ALDH enzyme that leads to elevated acetaldehyde levels that produces an aversive flushing reaction when alcohol is consumed.” (Ehlers, Liang, et al., 392).
An indigenous drinker will not only experience more dramatic effects, but also become addicted to the substance much faster than the settlers who introduced it.
Ehlers, C. L., Liang, T., & Gizer, I. R. (2012). ADH and ALDH Polymorphisms and Alcohol Dependence in Mexican and Native Americans. American Journal Of Drug & Alcohol Abuse, 38(5), 389-394.