According to the provided information, the organ that absorbs 80% of the alcohol consumed is the small intestine.
Understanding Alcohol Absorption
Unlike food, alcohol does not require digestion to be absorbed into the bloodstream. This means it can pass through the walls of certain organs directly into your circulation, affecting the body relatively quickly.
The Absorption Process
Alcohol begins its journey through the digestive system, but its absorption starts early:
- Most consumed alcohol initially passes into the stomach.
- A portion of alcohol absorption occurs in the stomach.
Based on the reference:
- About 20 percent of alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream through the stomach.
- The remaining 80 percent passes from the stomach into the small intestine.
Key Absorption Sites
The majority of alcohol absorption takes place in the small intestine. Absorption is significantly faster here compared to the stomach.
Here's a quick look at the primary absorption sites for alcohol:
| Organ | Estimated Alcohol Absorption Percentage | Absorption Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Stomach | Approximately 20% | Slower |
| Small Intestine | Approximately 80% | Faster than stomach |
Therefore, while the stomach starts the process, the small intestine is where the bulk of alcohol enters the bloodstream.
