ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION AND ITS MAIN DELETARY EFFECTS ON THE HUMAN BODY: A DESCRIPTIVE REVIEW

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Alcohol consumption for recreational purposes has been present in society since prehistoric times, having accompanied human evolution since then. Nevertheless, the abuse of this substance and its chronic use may result in acute cases or permanent damage to the organism, which will be discussed throughout this study. The aim of this article is to discuss the effects of alcohol on metabolism and its systemic and specific actions, along with the possible consequences of its usage. A descriptive review was made through bibliographic research on Scielo, Google Scholar, Pubmed and BIREME’s database, utilizing the keywords “Alcohol”, “Alcohol-Induced Disorders, Nervous System”, “Alcoholism”, “Adverse effects”, “Ethanol”, “Fatty liver, alcoholic” and “Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders”, in articles written in Portuguese, English and Spanish. The main reports of alcohol effects in the organism was about its metabolism, its hepatic effects, its effects in pregnancy, and its nervous effects. On these articles, it is possible to state the damage that this substance inflicts on the human body, especially if consumed in exaggerated quantities in situatuions such as pregnancy, lactation and simultaneous usage with other drugs in which alcohol can cause even more deleterious effects, especially on maternal-fetal, hepatic and nervous physiology. According to the conducted study, it is possible to conclude that the alcohol intake must be regulated in order to avoid its toxic consequences upon metabolism. Despite having a lot of literature about the subject, there are still blank spaces needing to be filled, and therefore, it becomes necessary to have more studies and scientific research conducted on the matter.