What percentage of alcohol absorption occurs through the stomach wall?

The correct answer indicates that about 20% of alcohol absorption occurs through the stomach wall. When alcohol is consumed, it enters the stomach and begins to be absorbed directly through the stomach lining into the bloodstream. The presence of food in the stomach can influence this absorption rate; when the stomach is empty, the absorption tends to happen more rapidly.

Most of the alcohol, approximately 80%, is absorbed in the small intestine, where it is rapidly taken up due to the larger surface area and specialized structure of the intestinal lining. However, the initial absorption through the stomach wall remains a significant factor, particularly depending on individual factors such as metabolism and the presence of food.

Understanding the absorption sites and their respective percentages is essential for grasping how alcohol affects the body and how different factors might alter the onset and intensity of alcohol's effects. This information can also impact alcohol policy, health advisories, and education about responsible drinking habits.