Why do women generally process alcohol less effectively than men?

Women generally process alcohol less effectively than men primarily due to their limited production of alcohol dehydrogenase. This enzyme is crucial for metabolizing alcohol in the liver. When alcohol is consumed, it is broken down into acetaldehyde by the action of alcohol dehydrogenase before being further metabolized into other substances. In women, the levels of this enzyme tend to be lower than in men, which means that alcohol remains in their system for a longer duration and at higher concentrations, leading to more pronounced effects from alcohol consumption.

Understanding the physiological differences in enzyme production helps explain variations in alcohol metabolism between sexes, including potential implications for tolerance and the risk of alcohol-related harm.