Which statement about alcohol content and shelf-stability of elixirs is true?

• A. Elixirs are self-preserving if they contain more than 12% alcohol
• B. Elixirs never self-preserve
• C. Self-preservation is independent of alcohol content
• D. Only above 50% alcohol preserves

Answer: (A)

Alcohol content acts as a preservative in elixirs. When ethanol is present at about 12% v/v or higher, the solution tends to be self-preserving because ethanol inhibits many microbes, reducing the need for additional preservatives. This threshold explains why elixirs with higher alcohol content often show better shelf-stability; the antimicrobial effect of ethanol helps prevent spoilage and contamination over time. If the alcohol content is lower, microbes can grow more easily unless other preservatives are used, and very high concentrations like 50% aren’t required to achieve self-preservation.