Description
Waking up to a hot coffee might be your ideal way to start the day, but did you know that the way your body metabolises caffeine may differ to someone else’s, putting you at higher risk of health problems? Perhaps you’ve wondered why there are so many conflicting studies showing that in some cases caffeine has a protective effect on health, while in other it can cause serious harm. Or even why some people can down coffee after coffee without any apparent effects, but some people have just a sip of coffee and can’t sleep that night. A lot of this comes down to each individual’s genetic makeup! ![]("3931/quick)
What is Caffeine and Where is it Found? Caffeine is the most commonly consumed stimulant in the world. It generally increases short-term feelings of alertness, but can also contribute to anxiety and hyperactivity in susceptible people. Caffeine is found in a variety of beverages, including coffee, tea, soft drinks and energy drinks as well as chocolate. Caffeine is also commonly added to sports supplements for it’s stimulating and performance-enhancing effects. In addition to your genes, the way your body responds to caffeine depends on a number of factors including how much you consume, your general level of health and whether you are taking any medications. How Genes Can Alter Caffeine Metabolism Most people will not notice any negative effects from consuming small amounts of caffeine, such as 1-2 small cups of coffee daily. However, some people have a gene variation that causes their body to metabolise caffeine more slowly so that caffeine stays in the body for longer and can increase risk of health problems. The difference between fast and slow caffeine metabolisers comes down to a gene called CYP1a2. This gene controls certain liver enzymes responsible for breaking down caffeine. When a person is a slow metaboliser, their CYP1a2-induced enzymes are less active tha fast metabolisers. Research shows that in slow caffeine metabolisers, high caffeine intake can increase the risk of heart attack, high blood pressure, anxiety, sleeping problems and possibly miscarriage. ![]("3931/coffee)
Who Should Get Tested Anyone can have a caffeine metabolism genetic test as it will assist you in understanding how caffeine affects your body and help you make an informed decision on caffeine intake in future. The test is especially useful for people at higher risk of caffeine-related health effects, including:
- People with a personal or family history of heart disease or high blood pressure
- People who have other risk factors for heart disease such as smoking, high blood cholesterol or being overweight
- People who have problems getting to sleep or staying asleep (insomnia)
- Anyone who feels over-stimulated or anxious after consuming caffeine
- Sport and exercise enthusiasts, competitive athletes
- Women who are pregnant or who are planning a pregnancy
What Your Results Will Tell You Your results will tell you if you have variations on the CYP1a2 gene that influences whether you are either a slow or fast metaboliser of caffeine. Your healthcare professional will explain what this result means to you and your recommended future caffeine intake, taking into consideration other relevant information about your health. The good news – your test results won’t necessarily mean that you can never drink caffeine again, however it is helpful to know how your body responds to caffeine and how this may affect your risk of these health conditions, as this can help you make informed decisions about your future caffeine intake. Further Reading:
