Aging and ethanol metabolism

Abstract

The effect of aging on the distribution and elimination of ethanol was studied in a group of 50 healthy subjects ranging in age from 21 to 81 yr (mean, 53.3). Ethanol was administered in a continuous 1-hr infusion at a mean rate of 375 mg/m2 body surface area/min (equivalent to a mean dose of 0.57 gm/kg body weight). Serial blood samples for the determination of ethanol concentration was obtained at 15- to 30-min intervals for up to 4 hr post infusion. Ethanol elimination and distribution were evaluated with the aid of a two-compartment model. Rates of ethanol elimination were not affected by age. Peak ethanol concentration in blood water at the end of the infusion period was correlated with age (r= 0.55, p less than 0.001). Lean body mass and total volume of distirbution fo the ethanol were negatively correlated with age. The smaller volume of distirbution, in association with the decreased lean body mass, most likely explains the higher peak ethanol concentration found in the blood after administration of an ethanol does on the basis of surface area in the old as compared with the young subjects. This study demonstrates that age-related changes in body composition are important factors in the study of ethanol metabolism and its pharmacologic effects.

Alcohol consumption in very old age and its association with survival: A matter of health and physical function

“…The body's tolerance for alcohol decreases with age and so the equivalent amount of alcohol leads to a higher blood alcohol concentration in older individuals compared to younger (Novier et al, 2015;Vestal et al, 1977). In older adults, alcohol consumption can potentially harm health through increasing the risk of falls and accidents, interactions with medications, and complications related to various diseases (Heuberger, 2009;Immonen et al, 2011).…”

A population-based study on binge drinking among elderly Brazilian men: evidence from the Belo Horizonte and Bambuí health surveys

“…[2][3][4][5] The elderly are more vulnerable to the effects of alcohol in the organism, in comparison with the younger adults, due to physiological changes associated with aging (decrease of the body's water volume, decrease in the functional capacity of the kidneys and the liver), 6 the increased risk of comorbidity 7,8 and of drug interactions. 7 It is recommended that the consumption of alcohol among older adults does not exceed one drink per day, or, not more than seven drinks a week.…”

Glutathione depletion and recovery after acute ethanol administration in the aging mouse

“…In addition, sensitivity of elderly subjects to the toxic effects of EtOH appears to be enhanced compared to younger persons [6][7][8][9]. Laboratory animal studies have also indicated that ethanol metabolism is decreased and toxicity increased with advancing age [10][11][12][13].…”