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(11 replies, posted in Focused Discussion)

Essentially, what the article states (pertaining to the Asian blush phenomenon), is that a plurality of Asians contain a mutation in an enzyme that is theorized to play a role in the metabolism of ethanol.  A defective enzyme leads to increased serum levels of acetaldehyde, an ethanol metabolite, that is thought to be the source of the "blush" phenomenon (as well as many other deleterious side effects, like causing cancer).  The gene mutation leads to a decrease in the enzyme's activity.  The group postulates that addition of enzyme cofactors (like niacin, in this example) leads to increase enzymatic activity.

The paper only proposes this and doesn't actually prove anything (the majority of medical literature, especially in neurosurgery journals, is like this).

Even if what they state is true, which it probably is to some extent, it will not restore your level of enzymatic activity to the level of someone without the mutation.  It is not known what dose of niacin will increase your enzymatic activity nor by how much.  Plus, if this is true, it would only work in patients with the mutation.  If you happen to be an Asian without it, it will not benefit you.

Some might say that it doesn't hurt to just take a shitload of vitamins.  Remember that even vitamins can have serious health effects if taken in large quantities.

A lot of genetic mutations continue to exist because they confer some sort of benefit (like sickle cell anemia and malaria).  What if this genetic mutation is why Asians excel in mathematics?  Would you give up your math skills just so you didn't blush?

I think the bottom line is that there is no magic bullet.  The cause of Asian blush is likely multifactorial and short of revamping your entire genome, we shall never be rid of this horrid curse.