Myths vs facts: ADH1B and fertility

ADH1B encodes alcohol dehydrogenase, which metabolizes ethanol to acetaldehyde. Certain variants, such as ADH1B*2, lead to faster alcohol clearance and are associated with lower alcohol consumption. Since heavy alcohol intake is known to impair fertility in both men and women, these genetic variants might indirectly influence fertility by reducing alcohol-related harm. However, direct evidence linking ADH1B variants to fertility outcomes is weak. Most studies are observational or mechanistic, and no robust causal relationship has been established. Consumer DNA tests can report your ADH1B genotype, but this alone cannot predict fertility. Fertility is multifactorial, involving hormones, age, lifestyle, and many other genes. The evidence is best described as 'mixed' – plausible mechanism but insufficient human data. Be cautious of marketing claims that overstate the role of single genes in complex traits like fertility.