Ethanol metabolism and memory impairment in American Indian and white women social drinkers.

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Abstract
Ethanol metabolism rates were examined in 15 American Indian and 15 white women social drinkers of similar age (mean, 22-23 yr), education, body wt (64 kg) and drinking history. The moderate (0.52 g/kg body wt) dose of ethanol was administered orally (in 20% solution), and blood alcohol concentrations (BAC) were determined by breath analysis. Both ethanol disappearance (0.021 vs. 0.018%/h) and elimination (138 vs. 110 mg/kg per h) were significantly faster in the Indians than in the whites (P < 0.01). There were no significant differences in peak BAC, time to reach peak or absorption rate. Scores on a verbal memory task indicated that the effect of ethanol on performance was similar in the Indian and white women. The results are consistent with the results of studies of Indian and white men and support the suggestion that American Indians metabolize ethanol more rapidly than do whites.

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