Smart Serve Ontario Practice Test – Free Mock Exam & 2025 Study Guide

Food intake does indeed slow down the absorption speed of alcohol in the body. When food is present in the stomach, it acts as a buffer, meaning it can slow the passage of alcohol from the stomach into the small intestine, where it is more rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream. This delay provides the body with more time to metabolize the alcohol, leading to a more gradual increase in blood alcohol concentration.

In contrast, consuming alcohol on an empty stomach typically results in faster absorption and a quicker rise in blood alcohol levels. Therefore, the presence of food in the gastrointestinal tract plays a crucial role in moderating how quickly alcohol affects a person.