What is the relationship between food in the stomach and alcohol absorption?

• A. Drinking on a full stomach increases the rate of absorption
• B. Drinking on an empty stomach increases the rate of absorption
• C. Food in the stomach has no effect on absorption
• D. Food in the stomach prevents absorption

Answer: (B)

When alcohol is consumed, how fast it gets absorbed depends on how quickly it moves from the stomach into the small intestine, where most alcohol absorption happens. Food in the stomach slows this movement, delaying absorption and lowering the peak blood alcohol concentration. An empty stomach lets alcohol move into the small intestine quickly, so absorption occurs rapidly and intoxication can come on sooner and be stronger. That’s why the statement that drinking on an empty stomach increases the rate of absorption is the best answer.

In contrast, having food in the stomach slows absorption; saying food has no effect isn’t accurate, and saying food prevents absorption is incorrect because some alcohol is still absorbed even with food present.