Belgium Man’s Body Makes Alcohol Naturally
Belgian man accused of drunk driving exonerated after court discovers rare condition causing his body to produce alcohol naturally.
In a rare and unusual turn of events, a 40-year-old man from Belgium found himself in a perplexing situation when he was accused of drunk driving despite abstaining from alcohol. The incident, which occurred in 2019, led to fines and a suspension of his driving license, sparking confusion and frustration for the man.
However, the situation took a dramatic turn in April 2022 when the man faced similar allegations of drunk driving. This time, he decided to challenge the accusations and filed a complaint in court, vehemently denying any alcohol consumption.
To his astonishment, medical examinations revealed that the man was suffering from a little-known condition called auto-brewery syndrome (ABS). This rare disorder causes carbohydrates to ferment in the stomach, resulting in elevated ethanol levels in the bloodstream, mimicking the effects of alcohol consumption.
Remarkably, the man's body was producing alcohol internally, leading to the presence of alcohol on his breath during the breathalyzer tests. Despite his assertions of sobriety, he exhibited symptoms commonly associated with alcohol intoxication, such as slurred speech and impaired motor functions.
With the support of medical experts who confirmed his diagnosis of ABS, the man's case was brought before the court. The revelation of his medical condition led to the dismissal of the charges against him, clearing his name of any wrongdoing.
According to his lawyer, while ABS cases are believed to be more prevalent than officially diagnosed, only a handful of individuals, around 20, have been formally recognized as having the condition. Many individuals may unknowingly experience symptoms of ABS without understanding the underlying cause.
In response to his diagnosis, the man has adopted a modified diet low in carbohydrates to minimize the production of alcohol in his stomach, thereby reducing the likelihood of future incidents. However, there is no information available regarding the reinstatement of his driving privileges.
This extraordinary case sheds light on the complexities of medical conditions and highlights the importance of thorough medical examinations in legal proceedings, ensuring that justice is served accurately and fairly.
