# The level of response to alcohol is related to level of se-phosphate in the general population

## TL;DR

Low response to alcohol is linked to higher phosphate levels in non-AUD groups, suggesting a possible role in alcohol metabolism.

## Contribution

Identifies a novel correlation between serum phosphate and subjective alcohol response in non-AUD populations.

## Key findings

- SRE scores correlated positively with se-P in experimental and blood donor groups.
- No correlation was found between SRE scores and se-P in AUD patients.
- Prolactin levels showed an unexpected correlation with SRE scores in observational groups.

## Abstract

A low subjective response to alcohol predicts increased consumption and risk for alcohol use disorder (AUD). While self-report tools like the self-rated effects of alcohol (SRE) questionnaire assess this, biological correlates remain understudied. This study investigates the relationship between SRE scores, serum phosphate (se-P), and other alcohol related measures using data from one experimental and two clinical cohorts.

Participants from three cohorts completed the SRE questionnaire. Blood samples were collected to measure alcohol use biomarkers and other blood measures like se-P. Statistical analyses assessed relationships between SRE scores and biochemical measures across groups.

AUD patients had higher SRE lately scores (mean 6.74) than blood donors (3.08), and higher se-P (1.23 mmol/L vs. 1.05). SRE scores correlated positively with se-P in both the experimental group (r = 0.507, P = .027) and blood donors (r = 0.377, P = .011), but not in AUD patients. Prolactin correlated with SRE scores where measured.

This study confirmed a positive correlation between se-P and SRE scores in non-AUD groups, possibly supporting a link between se-P and presystemic alcohol metabolism. No such relationship was found in AUD patients, possibly due to nutritional supplementation of phosphate and other nutrients. The observed association between prolactin and SRE in both observational groups was unexpected. Overall, these findings further indicate that se-P may play a role in alcohol metabolism, especially presystemic alcohol metabolism, but further research and replication are needed to clarify mechanisms.

Short Summary: A low subjective response to alcohol predicts higher consumption and alcohol use disorder (AUD). A low subjective response scores correlated with increased serum phosphate (se-P) in non-AUD groups, but in not AUD patients. Findings suggest se-P involvement in presystemic alcohol metabolism, though nutritional factors may obscure associations in AUD.