Alcohol Absorption Rate Factors and Behavioral Cues for impairment from alcohol intoxication. Smaller people are generally affected more quickly by alcohol than larger people. Women are generally smaller than men, have more body fat, and tend to reach higher BACs more quickly.
Women also are less able to metabolize alcohol, particularly due to hormone fluctuations.
A full stomach slows the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream. Protein or dairy foods are best to slow absorption rate. Salty foods are poor choices, because they make us thirstier. Carbonated drinks are absorbed more quickly than non-carbonated. Rate of drinking impacts how the alcohol will impair judgment, reactions, and coordination.