“A Belgian man has been cleared of drink driving after doctors confirmed he had an extremely rare condition which causes his body to produce large amounts of alcohol.” (Sky news)
The 40-year-old was found to have auto-brewery syndrome (ABS).
What is auto-brewery syndrome (ABS)?
Auto-brewery syndrome, also dubbed “drunkenness disease,” is an exceptionally uncommon condition where individuals generate excessive amounts of ethanol within their gut via the fermentation of consumed carbohydrates in the gastrointestinal tract.
Particular bacteria or fungi residing in the gut are responsible for this condition. Once the ethanol is synthesised, the small intestine absorbs it, resulting in elevated blood alcohol levels that cause intoxication effects.
Symptoms:
Symptoms exhibited by those affected can be significant. These may include:
- – Slurred speech
- – Impaired coordination
- – Diminished motor skills
- – Dizziness
- – Belching,
- – Mood fluctuations and neurological complications.
Treatment:
Treatment typically involves dietary modifications, such as reducing carbohydrate intake, along with antifungal medications or probiotics to rebalance the gut microbiota.
Although rare, experts believe that the syndrome is underreported. It doesn’t occur from birth, and researchers suggest that its onset triggers can vary, including prolonged antibiotic usage and diets rich in carbohydrates.
“Another unfortunate coincidence”.
The brewer was initially convicted of drink driving in 2019.
During that time, he remained unaware of his condition. However, media reported his perplexity as he hadn’t consumed any alcohol. Subsequently, he was pulled over by law enforcement twice in his vehicle, first in April 2022, and then again, a month later, on both occasions found to exceed the drink-drive limit.
According to accounts, the initial encounter occurred around 4 pm, during which the man informed police of having only consumed two beers the previous day.
Following these incidents, the individual sought examination from two separate doctors, both of whom independently confirmed his diagnosis of ABS.
He underwent a 24-hour period during which he consumed sugary foods but abstained from alcohol. Remarkably, his body extensively converted the carbohydrates into alcohol.
ABS as a defence:
The use of ABS as a defence in drink driving cases in the UK can be complex and challenging. While ABS is a recognised medical condition, its acceptance as a defence may vary depending on several factors, including the severity of the condition, the extent of evidence supporting the diagnosis, and the specific circumstances of the case.
Other research:
Despite the findings in the above case, research from James G. Wigmore (Wigmore on Alcohol) suggests that the idea that an individual could produce substantial alcohol amounts in the gut, enough to surpass the legal limit, is considered one of the least convincing arguments.
Studies:
Autobrewing revisited: Endogenous concentrations of blood ethanol in residents of the United Arab Emirates (https://www.sciencedirect.com/
This study indicates that the blood ethanol levels reported are significantly low to hold any forensic significance.
Autobrewing: fact or fantasy? (https://www.sciencedirect.
The authors’ experience with ABS cases has not provided any additional evidence supporting the existence of auto-brewery in healthy individuals.
Sources:
Wigmore On Alcohol, Courtroom Alcohol Toxicology for the Medicolegal Procedure- James G. Wigmore
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1355030604717074
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1355030600719770
