Acetaldehyde is dangerous for everyone. As a result of microbial activity, it accumulates in our mouth and intestinal tract. Normally, however, the gastric acid in our stomach kills the oral bacteria and yeasts we swallow, thus preventing acetaldehyde formation in the stomach. This is why people suffering from low stomach acid are particularly at risk. Low stomach acid, also known as achlorhydria, can be caused by atrophic gastritis or the use of anti-acid medication. People with Helicobacter pylori infection are also in the high-risk group.

If you have low stomach acid, your stomach cannot destroy oral bacteria or yeasts, which means they can grow and multiply in the stomach. These microbes generate high amounts of acetaldehyde in the stomach from alcohol and sugar, increasing the risk of gastric cancer for people in high-risk groups. Helicobacter pylori is another efficient producer of acetaldehyde in the stomach. Cigarette smoke also has a high acetaldehyde content. When you smoke, acetaldehyde rapidly dissolves in your saliva, ending up in the stomach when you swallow.

Millions of people in the UK belong to a high-risk group – most of them without even realising it. Do any of the following apply to you?

• You suffer from low stomach acid
• You are on anti-acid medication
  (PPIs* or H2 blockers*) for heartburn or upper abdominal discomfort or pain
• You are suffering from a Helicobacter pylori infection

You can also take the Acetium-test on this site to test your acetaldehyde exposure.

The GastroPanel blood test is an easy way to check the condition of your stomach. Your doctor can refer you to have the test done. Read more about GastroPanel.

*) PPIs, or proton pump inhibitors, include Omeprazole, Lansoprazole, Esomeprazole, Nexium, Losec, Zoton, etc.; H2 blockers include Ranitidine, Zantac, Histac, Ranimex, Ranixal, Pepcid, etc. If you are not sure whether the medicine you are taking is a proton pump inhibitor or an H2 blocker, ask your doctor or pharmacist.