For example, choline-deficient diets and alcohol metabolism during pregnancy may have very similar metabolic pathways.

Dietary fat must be reduced because fat interferes with alcohol metabolism.

The mechanism for this is not yet established, but it may have to do with both alcohol metabolism and the reward circuits in the brain.

The two active compounds appear to affect two enzymes involved in alcohol metabolism, Dr. Vallee said.

Aldehyde dehydrogenase is the second enzyme of the major oxidative pathway of alcohol metabolism.

The vast majority of alcohol metabolism occurs in the liver.

It interferes with alcohol metabolism so that drinking a small amount will cause nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, confusion, and breathing difficulty.

These enzymes are thought to play a major role in the detoxification of aldehydes generated by alcohol metabolism and lipid peroxidation.

This further increases the blood alcohol level and places an extra burden on the liver, where most alcohol metabolism takes place.

Other experts on alcohol metabolism and alcoholism said they were intrigued by the new results.