Myths vs facts: ADH1B and Sport

ADH1B encodes alcohol dehydrogenase, which metabolizes ethanol to acetaldehyde. The common rs1229984 (ADH1B*2) variant increases acetaldehyde production, reducing alcoholism risk, but has no proven direct effect on athletic performance. Myths labeling ADH1B a 'sport gene' are overblown. Some studies examine whether the genotype influences alcohol clearance post-exercise and recovery, but evidence is weak and purely mechanistic. For endurance or power sports, other genes (ACTN3, PPARGC1A) have slightly larger, yet still small, effects. Bottom line: ADH1B results from consumer DNA tests do not predict sport talent or training optimization. If you drink alcohol after exercise, know your tolerance – that's lifestyle, not genetics. Evidence: mechanistic/unclear. Do not change training or diet based on an ADH1B SNP.