The effect of fructose on blood alcohol levels in man

Ten volunteers participated in a trial to determine the effect of fructose on blood alcohol levels when given immediately after the administration of ethyl alcohol. The subjects were randomly assigned to receive two 'treatments', viz.: (i) alcohol followed by placebo; and (ii) alcohol followed by fructose. Each volunteer participated in both phases of the study, receiving both forms of treatment with a 7-day 'wash-out' period between the two. The maximal alcohol concentration attained was significantly lower in subjects who had taken fructose immediately after the alcohol. The area under the alcohol concentration time-curve seen after the subjects had taken alcohol plus placebo was significantly greater than that seen after they had taken alcohol plus fructose. A comparison of the blood alcohol levels attained with the two treatments at each sampling time revealed significantly higher concentrations from 45 minutes onwards when alcohol plus placebo was taken. The time taken for the attainment of maximal blood alcohol concentrations was not affected by the addition of fructose.