ALDH2 Gene

Does your face flush after a drink or two?

The ALDH gene is responsible for the enzyme that breaks down acetaldehyde, which is a toxin that your body produces from alcohol.

While most people can get rid of acetaldehyde fairly quickly, for some, a genetic variant in the ALDH2 gene causes it to build up. This can cause your face to flush — known as an alcohol flush reaction. It also can make you feel bad when drinking…

SNP rs671

A/A: Alcohol flush reaction

A/G: Alcohol flush reaction

G/G: typical acetaldehyde metabolismo