Study Discovers Link Between Blood Caffeine Levels and Body Fat as well as Diabetes Risk
The concentration of caffeine in your bloodstream may influence the quantity of body fat you possess, and this, in turn, might play a role in determining your susceptibility to developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular conditions.
These are the conclusions drawn from a recent study that employed genetic markers to establish a more conclusive connection between caffeine levels, body mass index (BMI), and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Conducted by a research team comprising scientists from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden, the University of Bristol in the UK, and Imperial College London in the UK, the study suggests that calorie-free caffeinated beverages could be investigated as a potential strategy for reducing body fat levels.
The Role of Caffeine in BMI and Diabetes Risk
In their March-published paper, the researchers stated, “Higher plasma caffeine concentrations, as predicted genetically, were linked to lower BMI and reduced overall body fat mass. Additionally, genetically predicted higher plasma caffeine concentrations were associated with a decreased risk of type 2 diabetes. It was estimated that about half of the influence of caffeine on the risk of type 2 diabetes was mediated through the reduction of BMI.”
This study utilized data from nearly 10,000 individuals, collected from existing genetic databases. The research focused on variations in or near specific genes known to influence the rate at which the body metabolizes caffeine.
Genetic Variations and Caffeine Metabolism
Generally, individuals with variations impacting these genes, particularly CYP1A2 and its regulating gene, AHR, tend to metabolize caffeine more slowly, causing it to linger in the bloodstream for longer periods. Interestingly, these individuals also tend to consume less caffeine overall.
Researchers employed a method called Mendelian randomization to establish potential causal connections between the presence of genetic variations, conditions such as diabetes, body mass, and lifestyle factors.
While a significant association was found between caffeine levels, BMI, and the risk of type 2 diabetes, no correlation was observed between blood caffeine levels and cardiovascular diseases, including atrial fibrillation, heart failure, and stroke.
Coffee’s Impact on Heart Health and BMI
Previous studies have linked moderate and relatively increased caffeine consumption to improved heart health and a lower BMI. This new research provides additional insights into the effects of coffee on the body.
It’s essential to note that caffeine’s effects on the body are not exclusively positive, underscoring the need for caution when considering the advantages of its consumption. Nonetheless, this recent study represents a vital stride in evaluating the optimal caffeine intake.
The researchers elaborated, “Although small, short-term trials have indicated that caffeine intake can lead to reductions in weight and fat mass, the long-term consequences of caffeine consumption remain uncertain.”
Caffeine’s Impact on Thermogenesis and Fat Oxidation
The researchers speculate that the observed connection could be attributed to how caffeine boosts thermogenesis (the generation of heat) and fat oxidation (the conversion of fat into energy) within the body, both of which play crucial roles in the overall metabolic process.
However, it’s important to note that further investigation is necessary to confirm a cause-and-effect relationship. Despite the substantial sample size used in this study, it’s essential to acknowledge that Mendelian randomization, while a valuable method, isn’t foolproof, and there remains the possibility that unaccounted-for factors could be influencing the results.
The researchers emphasized, “Given the widespread consumption of caffeine globally, even its modest metabolic effects could carry significant health implications.“
Read the original article on: Science Alert
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