Chinese researchers have developed a modified probiotic supplement that can protect mice from the acute effects of consuming too much alcohol. The probiotic works by metabolizing alcohol in the gut, reducing the amount of alcohol absorbed into the bloodstream. The modified probiotic also reduces acute liver damage and intestinal inflammation caused by excessive alcohol consumption. The therapy has yet to be tested in humans, but it could potentially alleviate the worst effects of alcoholism. However, experts caution that even moderate drinking has harmful effects, and the general health advice remains the same: limit the number of drinks you consume to reduce the toll on your health.
Scientists in China have created a probiotic that produces an enzyme to help the body break down alcohol faster. Alcohol-fed mice that were given the probiotic beforehand experienced less drunkenness and recovered more quickly. The researchers believe that genetically modified probiotics could have other uses as well, including helping people with certain liver conditions caused by chronic alcohol use. However, more research is needed to see if this can be scaled up to humans.
Researchers in China have developed a genetically-engineered probiotic that can reduce the ill effects of alcohol exposure in mice. The probiotic reduced alcohol absorption, prolonged alcohol tolerance, and shortened recovery time after exposure to alcohol. The probiotic expressed human ADH1B, which accelerated the breakdown of alcohol in the body. The researchers encapsulated the probiotic to ensure it would survive against stomach acid. The next step is to investigate whether the potential therapeutic effect of the modified probiotic extends to humans.
A genetically engineered probiotic pill, containing 'good' gut bacteria and an enzyme that breaks down alcohol in the body, has been found to reduce alcohol absorption, prolong alcohol tolerance, and shorten recovery time after exposure to alcohol in mice. The probiotic could also alleviate alcohol-related damage to the liver and intestines. While the pill has not yet been tested on humans, researchers predict it could present a new way to reduce alcohol-induced health problems. The WHO estimates that excessive alcohol consumption kills 3 million people around the world each year.
