How does food in the stomach affect BAC levels?

Food in the stomach can decrease blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels because it slows the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream. When alcohol is consumed on an empty stomach, it passes quickly into the small intestine, where it is absorbed rapidly, leading to a quicker rise in BAC. In contrast, when food is present, it takes longer for the alcohol to pass through the stomach and enter the small intestine, which can result in a lower peak BAC level. The presence of food ultimately allows the body more time to metabolize the alcohol, which can help mitigate the effects of alcohol consumption.