Alcohol EffectsQuestion 21 of 100
Approximately what percentage of consumed alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream through the small intestine, rather than the stomach?
a.About 20%
b.About 50%
c.About 80%
d.About 100% — the stomach absorbs none
Explanation
Alcohol does not require digestion; it is absorbed directly through mucous membranes. Roughly 20% is absorbed across the stomach lining and about 80% across the small intestine, where the surface area is much greater. This is why food in the stomach (which slows gastric emptying into the intestine) slows absorption and lowers peak BAC, while drinking on an empty stomach speeds absorption. The stomach does absorb some alcohol (d is wrong); the intestine is the dominant site.
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