Is it true that having eaten before drinking can speed up the absorption of alcohol?

The statement that having eaten before drinking speeds up the absorption of alcohol is indeed false. When food is present in the stomach, it delays the passage of alcohol into the small intestine, where the majority of alcohol absorption occurs. The presence of food can slow down the gastric emptying process, meaning that alcohol remains in the stomach longer and is absorbed more gradually into the bloodstream.

It’s important to note that while different individuals may metabolize alcohol at different rates depending on various factors such as body weight, drinking experience, and overall health, the general physiological process remains consistent. Eating before drinking typically results in slower absorption, which can lead to a reduced peak blood alcohol concentration compared to drinking on an empty stomach. Therefore, while individual circumstances can vary, the overarching principle regarding food and alcohol absorption stands firm; food slows down rather than speeds up alcohol absorption.