The auto-brewery syndrome, also called auto-brewery syndrome, is a rare condition in which alcohol is produced in the digestive tract without those affected consuming any alcohol. According to current knowledge, the cause is a disrupted gut flora: certain yeasts or even bacteria ferment carbohydrates from food into ethanol, which then enters the bloodstream and can trigger real states of intoxication.[1][2]


It is particularly noticeable that the symptoms often occur after meals containing sugar or starch. Affected individuals then show symptoms otherwise associated with alcohol consumption: unsteady gait, coordination problems, speech and concentration difficulties, fatigue, drowsiness, and in some cases also nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, dizziness, and headaches.[2][1]

This very symptomatology is what makes the condition so distressing for many patients. Because blood or breath alcohol levels can be elevated even though no alcohol has been consumed, those affected quickly come under suspicion of hiding their drinking habits. t-online describes that this not only leads to misunderstandings in private or professional environments but can also have significant psychological consequences – from social exclusion to depressive strain.[1]

In addition to a miscolonization of the gut, specialist sources cite risk factors such as prolonged antibiotic use, existing gastrointestinal diseases, or other disturbances of the microbiome as possible triggers. Medical literature describes the syndrome as very rare overall but also points out that the actual number of cases is likely unclear because the condition is often diagnosed late or confused with alcohol abuse.[3][4][2]

Treatment depends on the cause. Options include a diet lower in carbohydrates, targeted therapy against yeasts or bacteria, and treatment of possible underlying conditions. However, the most crucial factor is the correct diagnosis. Auto-brewery syndrome is not only a curious medical peculiarity but often a long ordeal for those affected, with credibility, health, and daily life equally at stake.[2][1]

Sources

[1] Eigenbrauer-Syndrom: Betrunken ohne Alkohol - T-Online https://www.t-online.de/gesundheit/krankheiten-symptome/alkohol/id_100342036/eigenbrauer-syndrom-betrunken-ohne-alkohol-symptome-und-ursachen.html[2] Auto-Brewery Syndrome - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf - NIH https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513346/[3] Understanding Auto-Brewery Syndrome in 2023: A Clinical and ... https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10189828/[4] Eigenbrauer-Syndrom: Wenn der Darm selbst Alkohol braut https://www.apotheken-umschau.de/krankheiten-symptome/eigenbrauer-syndrom-wenn-der-darm-selbst-alkohol-braut-1460939.html[5] Eigenbrauer-Syndrom kann langen Leidensweg bedeuten - T-Online https://www.t-online.de/nachrichten/panorama/wissen/id_100418824/eigenbrauer-syndrom-kann-langen-leidensweg-bedeuten.html[6] Eigenbrauer-Syndrom: Frau entgeht Trunkenheit-Anklage - T-Online https://www.t-online.de/nachrichten/panorama/buntes-kurioses/id_76527030/eigenbrauer-syndrom-frau-entgeht-trunkenheit-anklage.html[7] Suchtbericht: Deutschland hat ein Alkohol- und Tabakproblem https://www.t-online.de/gesundheit/aktuelles/id_100691302/suchtbericht-deutschland-hat-ein-alkohol-und-tabakproblem.html[8] Eigenbrauer-Syndrom: Wenn der Körper selbst Alkohol produziert https://www.chip.de/news/gesundheit-fitness/eigenbrauer-syndrom-wenn-der-koerper-selbst-alkohol-produziert_cc5bf89d-31e0-4fba-89ec-77cd97949460.html[9] Auto-Brewery Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/auto-brewery-syndrome-causes-symptoms-treatment[10] Auto-Brewery Syndrome | Treatment & Management | Point of Care https://www.statpearls.com/point-of-care/41867[11] Auto-brewery syndrome: Definition, symptoms, and more https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/auto-brewery-syndrome[12] Eigenbrauer-Syndrom - DocCheck Flexikon https://flexikon.doccheck.com/de/Eigenbrauer-Syndrom[13] Auto Brewery Syndrome: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Diet https://www.healthline.com/health/auto-brewery-syndrome[14] Eigenbrauer-Syndrom: Betrunken durchs eigene Mikrobiom https://www.spektrum.de/news/eigenbrauer-syndrom-betrunken-durchs-eigene-mikrobiom/2304837[15] A Brand-New Way of Looking at Auto-Brewery Syndrome https://www.menshealth.com/health/a70064483/auto-brewery-syndrome-gut-microbe-alcohol/