traits

The alcohol flush reaction (ALDH2): one variant, one clear effect

Why do some people turn red and feel ill after a single drink?

What the science says

A well-known variant in the ALDH2 gene (rs671), common in East Asian populations, slows the breakdown of acetaldehyde: the toxic intermediate of alcohol metabolism. Carriers often flush, feel nauseated, and get a racing heart after small amounts of alcohol.

What Aimosti would show you

Aimosti reads ALDH2 rs671 from your whole-genome file and restates the GWAS Catalog association, whether you carry the flush variant, with the evidence and the effect described plainly and separately.

What we won't claim

We report a well-replicated variant, not a diagnosis and not a judgement about anyone's drinking. We won't tell you whether or how much to drink, and we won't treat the flush response as a medical condition.

Covered in: Traits. Restated from: GWAS Catalog.