aldehyde dehydrogenase

enzyme

Also known as: aldehyde oxidase

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Last updated

June 18, 2026

Quick Summary

Aldehyde dehydrogenase is an enzyme crucial for processing alcohol in the body. It works in the liver alongside alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH). ADH first converts ethanol to acetaldehyde, a toxic substance. Aldehyde dehydrogenase then further oxidizes acetaldehyde into acetate, which is a normal metabolite that can be broken down into carbon dioxide and water, releasing energy. This enzymatic process is essential for detoxifying alcohol and preventing its harmful accumulation. The reactions require a coenzyme, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), which is regenerated during the process.12

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alcohol consumption
Processing in the liver
…acted upon by another enzyme, aldehyde dehydrogenase, and converted to acetate, most of which enters the bloodstream and is ultimately oxidized to carbon dioxide and water. Considerable utilizable energy—200 calories per ounce of alcohol (about 7.1 calories per gram)—is made available to the body during these processes, and in this…
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…acted upon by another enzyme, aldehyde dehydrogenase, and converted to acetate, most of which enters the bloodstream and is ultimately oxidized to carbon dioxide and water. Considerable utilizable energy—200 calories per ounce of alcohol (about 7.1 calories per gram)—is made available to the body during these processes, and in this…
Read More