Alcohol Server · Alcohol and the Body

How does drinking on an empty stomach affect alcohol absorption?

Reviewed by Jordan Morley, Editorial Lead at 247SimpleTests. Written by the 247SimpleTests Editorial Team from the official source material cited on every question.

Correct answer

It speeds absorption, so BAC rises faster

A It has no effect
B It slows absorption
C It speeds absorption, so BAC rises faster
D It prevents intoxication

Why this is the answer

Drinking on an empty stomach speeds the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream, causing BAC to rise faster, because there is no food to slow the alcohol's passage from the stomach into the small intestine where most absorption occurs. Conversely, eating — especially foods with protein and fat — slows absorption and produces a more gradual rise in BAC. This is one reason servers may offer food to customers who are drinking. Recognizing this factor helps servers anticipate which customers may become intoxicated more quickly.

Source: Responsible Beverage Service — Food and Absorption

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About this topic: Alcohol and the Body

Alcohol-and-the-body questions cover absorption, blood alcohol concentration, the factors that change it (weight, food, sex, medication) and the myths about sobering up. Understanding the physiology is what lets a server judge intoxication rather than guess. This is one of 9 Seller-Server questions on alcohol and the body, each with a full explanation on a single study page.

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How does drinking on an empty stomach affect alcohol absorption?

Why this is the answer

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About this topic: Alcohol and the Body

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