About half of a group of middle class alcoholics obtained 20 to 39 percent of their dietary calories from ABs while about one third of the individuals obtained between 40 and 59 percent. ABs had displaced other carbohydrates as a source of calories. The calorie contribution from the ethanol in wine or beer can be calculated by multiplying the percent alcohol by volume by two, and using this figure as the proof of the beverage. Acetaldehyde is particularly toxic. The accumulation of this chemical causes flushing of the face, shortness of breath, headache, fast and often irregular heart action, nausea, vomiting, weakness, fainting or collapse.
Recovery follows in hours, after the ethanol and acetaldehyde have been metabolized.
A person taking Antabuse is warned that even a small drink will make them ill. The immediate, rather than delayed, symptoms of AB ingestion are supposed to deter drinking. Ethanol interferes with carbohydrate energy metabolism. Liver and muscle glycogen are depleted. As cellular toxin, ethanol is catabolic and promotes structural tissue loss.