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Man Claims Body Makes Alcohol On Its Own: Know More About 'Auto-Brewery Syndrome'

Auto-brewery syndrome, also called gut fermentation syndrome, is a rare, underdiagnosed medical condition caused by 'fermentation of ingested carbohydrate by gut fungi' that results in 'endogenous production' of ethanol.

Written by Prerna Mittra | Published : April 24, 2024 7:44 PM IST

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Alcohol Production In Body

A Belgian man was cleared of drunk driving charges by a court in Bruges, because he has a rare disorder in which his body makes its own alcohol. According to a Reuters report, the man's lawyer said it was an 'unfortunate coincidence' that her client worked at a brewery, and that he had been diagnosed with auto-brewery syndrome (ABS) by three separate doctors. Interestingly, Belgian media reported that in the verdict, the judge emphasised that the defendant 'did not experience symptoms of intoxication'. Scroll down to know more about the strange condition.

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What Is Auto-brewery Syndrome?

According to the University of Virginia School of Medicine, auto-brewery syndrome -- also called gut fermentation syndrome -- is a rare, underdiagnosed medical condition caused by 'fermentation of ingested carbohydrate by gut fungi' that results in 'endogenous production' of ethanol. Though it has been described in medical literature for over 50 years, it remains misunderstood, with information regarding its diagnosis and treatment being limited. Also Read - Chrissy Teigen Marks 52 Days Sober, Says She Has 'No Desire To Turn Back': What Doctors Say About Alcohol Risks

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What Causes It And Whom Does It Affect?

In auto brewery syndrome, the body makes 'brews' (ethanol) out of the carbohydrates that you eat. It takes place inside the gut or intestines and may be caused by too much yeast in the gut. It is understood that one cannot be born with it, but may be born with -- or get another -- condition that triggers auto-brewery syndrome. In adults, for instance, the presence of too much yeast in the gut may be because of Crohn’s disease, which can trigger ABS.

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What Are The Symptoms Of ABS?

The University of Virginia School of Medicine mentions that patients with ABS are known to present with signs and symptoms of inebriation. Some with psychiatric symptoms (altered mood, anxiety, dysphoria, changes in affect and depression) or neurological symptoms (changes in mental status, drowsiness, brain fog, seizures, and ataxia). The patients can also have the smell of alcohol on their breath. The effects of alcohol are the same regardless of whether it is 'endogenously' or 'exogenously' derived, and can increase the risk of fatty liver, cirrhosis of the liver and acute or chronic pancreatitis. Also Read - Can A Glass Of Wine Really Protect Your Heart?

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Diagnosis Of ABS

Doctors usually try to rule out other conditions. They are likely to do a stool test first to find out about yeast in the gut. Another test that may be indicative of ABS is the glucose challenge.