Half of Taiwan’s population lack alcohol metabolising gene

Research has revealed that 47% of Taiwan’s population lack a gene required to properly metabolise alcohol, leading to an increased risk of alcohol-related cancer.

The percentage of people lacking the ALDH2 gene in Taiwan is higher than in any other nation

Che-Hong Chen, a senior research scientist at Stanford University’s Mochly-Rosen Lab biological research institute, brought the statistic to light during a seminar the university jointly held with Taipei Medical University, as reported by the China Times.

At 47%, the percentage of people lacking the ALDH2 gene in Taiwan is higher than in any other nation, in comparison with 35% in China, 30% in Japan, and 20% in South Korea.

As a result of the deficiency, Taiwanese people can often experience flushed faces, respiratory problems and an increased risk of cancer when they imbibe.

This is caused by a build up of the acetaldehyde in alcohol – usually easily metabolised those with the gene – to collect in the body, and increase the risks of mouth, throat and esophagal cancers by 50 times.

According to Chen a simple test can be undertaken to detect the gene, by soaking a plaster with an alcoholic drink and applying it to the skin.

If the skin turns a reddish colour after 20 minutes, it’s “likely” that the tester lacks the gene.

A product that can activate the deficient gene is currently in development, and could be on the market within five to 10 years, according to Chen.

Last years, scientists revealed that people’s genetics play an “integral” role in the transition from moderate drinking to problem drinking through the discovery of new genetic material.