Scientists have confirmed a surprising fact: people can get drunk without taking a single drop of alcohol. According to new research, food consumed can lead to alcohol being produced inside the body.
This rare condition, known as Auto-Brewery Syndrome (ABS), occurs when specific gut bacteria break down carbohydrates and convert them into ethanol, which then enters the bloodstream. As a result, affected individuals experience symptoms of intoxication despite not drinking alcohol.
The study, carried out by researchers from Massachusetts General Brigham in collaboration with the University of California San Diego, was published in Nature Microbiology. Scientists found that people living with ABS produce significantly higher levels of alcohol in their gut compared to healthy individuals.
Laboratory tests revealed that stool samples from patients during active ABS episodes generated far more ethanol than those from unaffected household partners or healthy control participants. In one notable case, a fecal transplant led to long-term relief from symptoms.
Although ABS is extremely rare, experts believe it is frequently overlooked. Limited awareness, difficulty in diagnosis, and social stigma mean many patients live for years without an accurate explanation for their condition. During this time, they may face strained relationships, health complications, and even legal issues linked to unexplained intoxication.
Co-senior author Elizabeth Hohmann, MD, noted that identifying the specific bacteria and biological pathways involved could lead to easier diagnosis, improved treatments, and a better quality of life for people living with this misunderstood condition.
