Alcohol concentration and carbonation of drinks: the effect on blood alcohol levels.
Alcohol absorption and elimination vary considerably amongst individuals, and are subject to influences from a variety of factors. The effects of alcohol concentration and beverage mixer type on the rate of alcohol absorption, in a controlled environment was studied. 21 subjects (12 male, 9 female) consumed a solution containing alcohol, on three separate occasions. The three solutions were, A: Neat vodka (37.5 vol%), B: Vodka mixed with still water (18.75 vol%), C: Vodka mixed with carbonated water (18.75 vol%). The volume of alcohol each subject consumed was determined by Widmark's equation. The alcohol was drunk in a 5 min period following an overnight fast and breath alcohol concentrations were measured over a 4h period using a breathalyser. 20/21 subjects absorbed the dilute alcohol at a faster rate than the concentrated alcohol. The difference between the absorption rates was found to be significant (p<0.001). The use of a carbonated mixer had varying effects on the alcohol absorption rate. 14/21 subjects absorbed the alcohol with the carbonated mixer at a faster rate, with 7 subjects showing either no change or a decrease in rate. The mean absorption rate for solution C was 4.39+/-0.45 (mg/100ml/min), and the difference between this absorption rate and that with the still mixer (1.08+0.36) was significant (p=0.006).
Roberts
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University of Manchester, Department of Postgraduate Medicine & Dentistry, 4th Floor, Barlow House, Minshall St., Manchester M1 3DZ, United Kingdom.
Robinson
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D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001944:Breath Tests; D002253:Carbonated Beverages; D002492:Central Nervous System Depressants / Q000097:blood* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D000431:Ethanol / Q000097:blood* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D005260:Female; D053593:Forensic Toxicology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012737:Sex Factors
D002492:Central Nervous System Depressants; D000431:Ethanol