Reason Some People Can’t Hold Their Drink

The Reason Some People Can’t Hold Their Drink

By Jeremy Dean 

It's true: some people really can't hold their drink.

A gene has been identified which may help to explain why some people can’t hold their drink.

Most people know someone who only has to have a little alcohol to make them start acting very strangely.

The genetic mutation, which affects a receptor called serotonin 2B, has been identified by Finnish researchers.

Dr Roope Tikkanen, who led the research, said:

“The results also indicate that persons with this mutation are more impulsive by nature even when sober, and they are more likely to struggle with self-control or mood disorders.”

The serotonin 2B receptor is thought to be linked to impulsivity.

The mutation is present in around 2.2% of people.

Dr Tikkanen said:

“The impact of one gene on complex phenomena is typically minor.

But it is possible to identify the impact of such a genetic mutation in the Finnish population, as our historical isolation has led to a relatively homogenous gene pool.”

The study was published in the journalTranslational Psychiatry (Tikkanen et al., 2015).