What to watch with ADH1B and Fruchtbarkeit?

The link between ADH1B and fertility is indirect, based on the enzyme's role in alcohol metabolism. ADH1B variants (e.g., rs1229984) cause faster ethanol breakdown, associated with lower alcohol intake and reduced alcohol-related harm. Alcohol can impair fertility in women (menstrual irregularities, egg quality) and men (sperm quality). Thus, a genetically driven lower alcohol consumption might theoretically protect fertility. However, direct studies on ADH1B and fertility are scarce; evidence is mechanistic. Importantly, an ADH1B test does not predict individual fertility. Limiting or avoiding alcohol is generally recommended when trying to conceive, regardless of genotype. Consumer DNA tests often overstate the clinical relevance of such variants.