Alcohol Production Disorder (APD) is a relatively uncommon syndrome that refers to a condition in which a person’s body produces an excessive amount of alcohol due to issues in their digestive system.

APD leads to symptoms resembling those of alcohol intoxication, despite the person’s abstinence from alcohol consumption. It is also known as Auto-Brewery Syndrome, Endogenous Alcohol Fermentations Disorder, and Gut Fermentation Syndrome.

Symptoms of Alcohol Production Disorder

APD symptoms vary among individuals and can be mild to severe. The most common symptom of APD is alcohol intoxication without consuming alcohol.

The person may experience a headache, dizziness, vomiting, fatigue, disorientation, and visual disturbance like poor vision. Other symptoms include:.

Mood swings and irritability
Bloating, flatulence, and abdominal discomfort
Dry mouth
Skin rashes, itching or sweating
Memory loss
Liver enzyme abnormalities

Causes of Alcohol Production Disorder

APD happens when the body’s metabolic system fails to regulate the digestion of carbohydrates and sugar.

Normally, when carbohydrates are metabolized in the digestive system, the liver breaks them down into glucose for energy production, while yeast and bacteria break down the remaining sugar to produce acetic acid, carbon dioxide, and water. However, in people with APD, the yeast and bacteria produce ethanol instead of acetic acid, leading to alcohol production.

The primary cause of APD is an overgrowth of microbiota in the gut. Microbes such as Candida albicans, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Klebsiella pneumoniae can cause APD.

The condition can also occur due to changes in diet and the use of antibiotics that alter the gut flora. Conditions such as obesity, celiac disease, and inflammatory bowel syndrome have also been linked with APD.

Diagnosis of Alcohol Production Disorder

Diagnosing APD begins with a physical examination to rule out alcoholism. The doctor will ask about the person’s medical history and symptoms and conduct various tests. These include:.

Breathalyzer test: A breathalyzer test can determine the concentration of alcohol in the breath. In people with APD, the breathalyzer test may show an elevated blood alcohol concentration level, despite not consuming alcohol.
Blood tests: Blood tests can detect liver function and the presence of acetone and ethanol in the blood.
Fecal samples: A fecal sample test looks for the presence of yeast in the gut and measures the level of fermentation. This test is crucial to confirm a diagnosis of APD.

Treatment of Alcohol Production Disorder

The treatment of APD aims to control or reduce the production of alcohol in the gut by eliminating the overgrowth of microbes. Treatment options include:.

Dietary changes: Reducing the intake of carbohydrates and sugar can help to reduce alcohol production in the gut. Foods such as bread, pasta, sweets, and sugary drinks should be avoided or reduced.
Probiotics: Consuming probiotics, such as yogurt, kefir, and kimchi, can help promote beneficial bacteria in the gut, which can help to reduce the overgrowth of harmful bacteria.
Antifungal medication: An antifungal medication, such as fluconazole, may be prescribed to kill the yeast that causes APD.
Antibiotics: If the APD is caused by bacteria, an antibiotic may be prescribed to kill the bacteria and prevent regrowth. However, the use of antibiotics is not recommended as it may lead to the overgrowth of harmful bacteria.

Prevention of Alcohol Production Disorder

APD may be prevented by adopting healthy lifestyle habits, such as eating a balanced diet rich in fiber, fruits, and vegetables. Avoiding alcohol and reducing the intake of sugar can also help prevent the overgrowth of microbes in the gut.

Regular exercise and stress management can also help to promote a healthy gut flora.

Conclusion

Alcohol Production Disorder is a rare condition that causes the body to produce an excessive amount of alcohol due to issues in the digestive system.

The condition can lead to symptoms similar to alcohol intoxication despite the person’s abstinence from alcohol consumption. The diagnosis of APD involves various tests to rule out alcoholism, and treatment aims to reduce or control the overgrowth of microbes in the gut. By maintaining healthy lifestyle habits, APD can be prevented.