ADH catalyzes the conversion of ethanol into acetaldehyde, using nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) as a cofactor. This reaction is the first step in alcohol metabolism, followed by the conversion of acetaldehyde into acetic acid by the enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase. The efficiency and rate of these reactions can affect an individual's blood alcohol concentration and susceptibility to alcohol-related toxicity.
