1. Gut Lumen (Candida Fermentation)
Yeast species convert dietary monosaccharides via Pyruvate Decarboxylase (PDC) into Acetaldehyde. Substrate load determines baseline toxic yield before systemic passage.
2. Mucosal Epithelium
Zonula Occludens tight junction integrity regulates systemic uptake. Compromised mucosal barriers allow massive, unbuffered passive diffusion directly into portal circulation.
3. Hepatic Clearance (ALDH2 Kinetics)
Mitochondrial Aldehyde Dehydrogenase-2 detoxifies acetaldehyde into acetate. Enzyme saturation leads to systemic spillover and systemic vascular circulation.
4. Blood-Brain Barrier Transport
Unbound lipophilic acetaldehyde freely traverses endothelial tight junctions, entering cerebral spinal fluid and central synaptic regions.
5. Synaptic Processing Resistance
Acetaldehyde binds with tubulin proteins in neurons, disrupting axonal transport, impairing neurotransmitter release, and elevating executive latency (Brain Fog).