What percentage of alcohol consumed does the liver metabolize?

The liver metabolizes approximately 90% of the alcohol consumed. This high percentage indicates the liver's primary role in processing alcohol and detoxifying it from the bloodstream. When alcohol is ingested, it enters the bloodstream and reaches the liver, where enzymes, particularly alcohol dehydrogenase and aldehyde dehydrogenase, break it down into less harmful substances.

Understanding this metabolism is crucial because it emphasizes why excessive drinking can lead to liver damage and why individuals should consume alcohol responsibly. The remaining portion of alcohol is eliminated through other means, such as exhalation and urine, but the liver is predominantly responsible for managing and metabolizing vast amounts of alcohol ingested. This knowledge can help inform practices regarding safe alcohol consumption and awareness of the impacts of heavy drinking on overall health.