What lower factor in women's bodies contributes to a larger portion of alcohol reaching the blood?

The answer focuses on the fact that women generally have a lower activity of the alcohol-metabolizing enzyme known as alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) compared to men. This enzyme plays a significant role in metabolizing alcohol in the stomach and liver. With a reduced presence or activity of ADH, a larger proportion of alcohol remains in the bloodstream rather than being broken down before it can enter systemic circulation. As a result, women can experience the effects of alcohol more acutely and at lower amounts than men, even when consuming similar quantities of alcoholic beverages.

The differences in alcohol metabolism, especially due to the activity of enzymes like ADH, are significant in understanding how blood alcohol concentration (BAC) can vary between genders. This factor highlights biological differences that impact alcohol absorption and processing, emphasizing the importance of considering these variances in DWI awareness and prevention efforts.