The presence of food in the stomach can delay the absorption of alcohol [1]. This occurs because food takes up space in the stomach and small intestine, which are the primary sites of alcohol absorption. As a result, the alcohol must wait to be absorbed until there is sufficient space in the digestive tract [2].

Additionally, food can also affect the rate at which alcohol is absorbed by slowing down the emptying of the stomach [3]. This is because food stimulates the release of hormones that signal the stomach to keep its contents for a longer period of time, which in turn delays the absorption of alcohol [4].

It is important to note that while food can delay the absorption of alcohol, it does not prevent the body from ultimately absorbing and metabolizing the alcohol [5]. The liver metabolizes alcohol at a constant rate, regardless of how quickly or slowly it is absorbed [6].

In summary, food can delay the absorption of alcohol by taking up space in the stomach and small intestine and by slowing down the emptying of the stomach. However, it does not prevent the body from ultimately absorbing and metabolizing the alcohol.

Sources:

1. <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/insights/how-food-affects-alcohol-absorption>
2. <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK535436/>
3. <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4615515/>
4. <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2791897/>
5. <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK535436/>
6. <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK535436/>