What is auto-brewery syndrome and how it happens – CBC

Despite not drinking alcohol, patients show high blood alcohol levels

Jun 04, 2024

A 50-year-old woman would suddenly fall asleep multiple times while getting ready for work, slurring her speech and falling.

She went to emergency departments seven times in two years and was diagnosed with alcohol intoxication. But she hadn’t had alcohol in years, which her family confirmed.

This week’s issue of the Canadian Medical Association Journal includes a case report describing the rare condition, known as auto-brewery syndrome.

What is auto-brewery syndrome?
Auto-brewery syndrome, or gut fermentation syndrome, is thought to happen when the fungi or bacteria that colonize our intestines begin producing alcohol through fermentation. Basically, the gut becomes a mini-brewery.

The condition is rare, and doctors, law enforcement and legal officials may not be aware of it.

Read more: https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/auto-brewery-syndrome-1.7224258