Synthesis of fatty acids is accelerated as a result of the liver's exposure to alcohol. Fat can accumulate in the liver after a single night of heavy drinking. The presence of alcohol alters amino acid metabolism in the liver cells. Protein deficiency can develop in heavy drinkers, both from the depression of protein synthesis in the cells and a poor diet. Heavy alcohol use can interfere with the intestinal cells' ability to absorb thiamin, folacin, and vitamin B12.
Alcohol use can raise blood pressure.
These calories are used primarily for heat and are not stored as muscle glycogen. Use of alcohol causes impaired gluconegenesis and lowers resting muscle glycogen levels. Alcohol use results in decreased exercise time to exhaustion and decreased performance in middle-distance running events. Athletes engaged in activities that require precise fine motor control, have a perception of reduced tension and increased relaxation as a result of alcohol, but the actual effect is decreased eye-hand coordination and impaired judgement and tracking. Metabolism of alcohol interferes with breakdown of lactic acid and can result in build-up of lactic acid in the blood when alcohol is consumed right before or after strenuous exercise.