What is primarily responsible for the toxic effects of alcohol consumption in the body?

Acetaldehyde is primarily responsible for the toxic effects of alcohol consumption in the body because it is a metabolic byproduct that is formed when ethanol, the active component in alcoholic beverages, is broken down by the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase. Once alcohol enters the bloodstream and reaches the liver, it is converted into acetaldehyde, which is then further metabolized to acetate by another enzyme, aldehyde dehydrogenase. Acetaldehyde is known to be highly reactive and can bind to proteins and DNA, leading to cellular damage and the various negative health effects associated with alcohol consumption, such as liver damage, hangover symptoms, and increased cancer risk.

Understanding the role of acetaldehyde highlights its significance in the biochemistry of alcohol metabolism and its implications for health, making it clear why it is recognized as a major contributor to alcohol's toxic effects on the body.