Tuesday 24 November 2015

Reason Some People Can’t Hold Their Drink

The Reason Some People Can’t Hold Their Drink


By Jeremy Dean 

The Reason Some People Can’t Hold Their Drink
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).

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