What effect does alcohol have on stomach acid production?

Alcohol is known to stimulate the stomach lining to produce more gastric acid. This effect occurs because alcohol can irritate the stomach lining, which triggers the gastric cells to secrete additional acid to aid in digestion. Increased acid production can lead to various issues, such as acid reflux, gastritis, or peptic ulcers, especially if alcohol is consumed in large quantities or over an extended period. Therefore, the statement that alcohol causes the stomach to produce more acid is supported by this understanding of its physiological effects.

The other options do not accurately represent the relationship between alcohol and stomach acid production; they suggest reductions or neutralization, which do not align with the documented response of the stomach when alcohol is consumed.