Radio Taiwan International
Date: 23 September, 2019
By: Natalie Tso

Taiwan ranks first in the world in the prevalence of “Asian flush” – or alcohol flush reaction. It’s a phenomenon where people turn red when they consume alcohol, because of an enzyme deficiency that affects 47% of the population in Taiwan.

The “Asian flush” is not just a physical response to drinking alcohol, it’s a sign of an enzyme deficiency.

People who lack the ALDH2 enzyme cannot metabolize alcohol. This results in flushed faces, respiratory problems, nausea, vomiting and possibly diseases.

Nearly half of the people in Taiwan have this deficiency.    [FULL  STORY]