Hold your drink, thank your genes

Lead scientist Dr Raymond White of the Ernest Gallo Clinic and Research Center in California said: 8220;The findings confirmed that tolerance, dependence and abuse are influenced by a genetic component. The findings provide further evidence that alcohol low response is a hereditary characteristic.8221;

The team has based its findings on an analysis of the link between areas of DNA and three factors that measure the response to alcohol on over 300 students. Drinkers who show a low level of response to alcohol can consume more before feeling the effects of intoxication and are more likely to succumb to alcoholism, the study has revealed.

The findings are published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences journal.