Auto-Brewery Syndrome

Auto-Brewery Syndrome

Context: A Belgian man was found not guilty of drunk driving due to his diagnosis with auto-brewery syndrome (ABS), a rare medical condition where the body produces alcohol internally.

About:

Auto-brewery syndrome (ABS), also known as gut fermentation syndrome or endogenous ethanol fermentation, is a rare medical condition where:
• The body produces alcohol internally, usually in the digestive system.
• This internal alcohol production leads to elevated blood alcohol levels without the consumption of external alcohol.
• The condition is a metabolic disorder involving fungi or bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract.
• Carbohydrates ingested by the individual are fermented into ethanol by these microorganisms.
• Consequently, the individual experiences symptoms of intoxication without having consumed alcohol from outside sources.

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