Ethanol !

The alcohol in drinks: a small molecule that crosses every membrane and that the liver oxidises to acetaldehyde and acetate.

Updated 2026-11-01

Loading the 3D model…

Key facts

CH₃–CH₂–OH: soluble in water and slightly in fat, it spreads through total body water.
It supplies about 7 kcal per gram with no vitamins or protein (empty calories).
Over 90 % is oxidised in the liver; a small part leaves in urine and breath (the basis of the breathalyser).
It depresses the nervous system: it enhances GABA-A receptors and inhibits NMDA receptors.

Women reach higher levels with the same amount: less body water and less gastric ADH.
Chronic use causes thiamine (Wernicke), folate and magnesium deficiency.
It raises the osmolal gap; in methanol and ethylene glycol poisoning it is used as a competitive inhibitor of alcohol dehydrogenase when fomepizole is unavailable.

Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.

Why does ethanol provide «empty calories»?

It gives energy (about 7 kcal/g) when oxidised but brings no vitamins, minerals or protein.

Which vitamin deficiency is typical of chronic ethanol use and what does it cause?

Thiamine (B1) deficiency: Wernicke encephalopathy.

Why can ethanol work as an antidote in methanol poisoning?

It competes for alcohol dehydrogenase and slows the formation of formic acid.

Molecules are shown in their neutral form, as the databases deposit them; in the cell the acids and phosphates are ionised.

Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional.

Sources: Ethanol (CID 702) (PubChem, NCBI, 2026); Ethanol oxidation (Reactome, 2026); Alcohol (World Health Organization, 2026).

Spotted a mistake?We are always improving for the community. Tell us what is wrong and our team will review it.Report a mistake

Representative model, for educational purposes only.