Health Japanese company introduces genetic alcohol intolerance testing kit

Musashi Seimitsu Kogyo Co. developed a remote genetic testing service that will help you determine whether you are a strong drinker. The company, usually producing automotive components, expanded its range of operations by establishing a plant biotechnology division in 2022 and now develops health care services. Using specialized kits sent to users' homes, test takers have their cells analyzed to find out what kind of drinking style best suits them based on their type of alcohol-metabolizing genes.

Users receiving the kits swab their oral cavity for cell samples to be returned to the company in a return envelope. About three weeks later, they can check the results online. The kits cost 6,050 JPY (roughly USD 43), tax included, and can be purchased through Amazon Japan. Alcohol is successively broken down into the toxic substance acetaldehyde, then the even more benign acetic acid, by the action of enzymes in the kidneys. If the enzymes cannot keep pace, acetaldehyde builds up, resulting in hangover symptoms such as headache and nausea. One's ability to break down alcohol depends on the genes of these enzymes, meaning there are variations in the way people respond to alcohol and how it affects their health.

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The kits examine the genetic variations of the enzymes that degrade alcohol and acetaldehyde. Users' metabolic capacity for these substances is influenced by nine genetic profiles and five alcohol reactions, which indicate tendencies such as "likely to flush" and "no change in complexion; may drink excessively." Suggestions for enhancing one's lifestyle supplement the outcomes. Based on the company's surveys and genetic tests in October and November, nearly a third of those with less effective genes for alcohol metabolism are reported to have a false impression of their alcohol tolerance.