Caffeine In The Blood Could Influence Body Fat And Diabetes Risk

The amount of caffeine in your blood may influence your body fat, which can impact your risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

These findings come from a 2023 study that utilized genetic markers to establish a clearer connection between caffeine levels, BMI, and the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Experts Explore Calorie-Free Caffeinated Drinks as a Potential Aid in Body Fat Reduction

Experts from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden, the University of Bristol, and Imperial College London suggested investigating calorie-free caffeinated beverages as a potential way to help reduce body fat.

In their March 2023 paper, the researchers stated that genetically predicted higher plasma caffeine concentrations led to lower BMI and overall body fat mass.

“Additionally, researchers found that genetically predicted higher plasma caffeine levels lowered the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. They estimated that about half of caffeine’s effect on diabetes risk worked through reducing BMI.”

“Study of 10,000 Genomes Links Caffeine Metabolism Genes to Body Fat Levels”

Researchers analyzed data from nearly 10,000 individuals, drawing from existing genetic databases and focusing on variations in or near specific genes that influence how quickly the body metabolizes caffeine.

Overall, individuals with variations in genes like CYP1A2 and its regulator, AHR typically metabolize caffeine more slowly, allowing it to stay in the bloodstream longer. However, they also tend to consume less caffeine overall.

The researchers used an approach known as Mendelian randomization to identify potential causal links between the genetic variations, conditions like diabetes, body mass, and lifestyle factors.

The study found a significant connection between caffeine levels, BMI, and the risk of type 2 diabetes, but researchers observed no link between blood caffeine levels and cardiovascular diseases like atrial fibrillation, heart failure, or stroke.

Exploring Coffee’s Impact on Heart Health and Body Weight

Previous studies have associated a moderate increase in caffeine intake with improved heart health and a lower BMI. This research provides further insight into the effects of coffee on the body.

We must remember that caffeine can have negative effects on the body, so we should exercise caution when considering its benefits. However, this latest study is a key step in determining the optimal amount of caffeine.

While small, short-term studies have demonstrated that caffeine intake leads to a reduction in weight and fat mass, the long-term effects of caffeine consumption remain unknown, the researchers noted.

“Given the widespread global consumption of caffeine, even its minor metabolic effects could have significant health consequences.“

The team suggests that the observed link could be due to caffeine’s ability to enhance thermogenesis (heat production) and fat oxidation (converting fat into energy), both of which are crucial for overall metabolism.

Although this study included a large sample, Mendelian randomization is not foolproof, and there may be other unaccounted factors influencing the results. Further research is needed to establish cause and effect.

“Randomized controlled trials are needed to determine whether non-caloric caffeine-containing beverages could help reduce the risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes,” said Benjamin Woolf, a genetic epidemiologist at the University of Bristol.

Read the original article on: Sciencealert

Read more: Study Discovers Link Between Blood Caffeine Levels and Body Fat as well as Diabetes Risk