What percentage of alcohol consumed is metabolized by the liver?

The statement that 90% of alcohol consumed is metabolized by the liver is accurate as it highlights the liver's primary role in processing and breaking down alcohol. When a person drinks, a significant majority of the ethanol is absorbed into the bloodstream, where the liver metabolizes it through various enzymes, most notably alcohol dehydrogenase and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase.

The liver has a finite capacity to metabolize alcohol, and while some small amounts can be excreted through breath, urine, and sweat, the overwhelming majority is indeed processed in the liver. This metabolic process converts alcohol into acetaldehyde, which is then further broken down into non-toxic substances that the body can eliminate.

Understanding this percentage is important for recognizing how alcohol affects body functions, how long it can stay in the system, and the implications for drinking responsibly.