Caffeine Consumption DNA Test

Genes can have a large influence on how much caffeine you consume. Find out if your genetics influence your caffeine intake. 

  • Includes the CYP1A2 and AHR genes implicated in caffeine consumption
  • Individuals with these variants are more likely to consume more caffeine
  • 100% private and confidential online results

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Detailed Description

Caffeine is the most widely used psychoactive drug in the world. Unlike other drugs that affect brain function, caffeine is legal and unregulated. Caffeine is available to us in many different forms like coffee, tea, chocolate, and energy drinks. Studies show that individual differences in caffeine metabolism due to genetic variation have a large influence on caffeine consumption.

It is recommended that adults should not consume more than three 12-oz cups of coffee or eight 8-oz cups of tea per day. This equals approximately 400 mg of caffeine per day. It is also good to avoid caffeine later in the day, as it might interfere with the quality of your sleep.

Take this test to find out whether you are carry genetic variants associated with higher caffeine consumption.

Some people also carry genetic variants that increase the risk of heart problems if they consume too much caffeine. These variants are included in the DNA Caffeine Sensitivity Test.

The Genetics

This DNA test looks at two genetic variants in the CYP1A2 and AHR genes associated with higher caffeine consumption.

The CYP1A2 gene gives instructions to make the cytochrome P450 1A2 enzyme. CYP1A2 is the main controller of caffeine levels in the body, as it breaks down more than 95% of the caffeine. Genetic changes in the CYP1A2 gene influence how quickly caffeine is metabolized. The AHR gene gives instructions to produce a protein that controls the levels of other genes, including the CYP1A2 gene. People with the CYP1A2 and AHR variants reported here tend to consume more caffeine compared to those with the normal versions of the genes, likely due to alterations in CYP1A2 enzyme levels.

How Does Caffeine Keep You Awake 

Caffeine keeps us awake by inhibiting the function of adenosine, a molecule that induces sleepiness. This results in increased nerve cell activity and stimulates the pituitary gland (located at the base of the brain) and the adrenal gland (found at the top of kidneys) to release hormones. Adrenaline is one such hormone associated with increased alertness, heart rate, blood pressure, and release of sugar into the bloodstream for extra energy.

Caffeine also increases the levels of dopamine. Dopamine is a chemical messenger found in the brain that makes us “feel good” by activating pleasure centers in certain parts of the brain. This increase in dopamine (following caffeine consumption) likely contributes to caffeine addiction.

How It Works

Step 1: Sign up for a free DNA Access account.
Step 2: Upload your DNA markers to DNA Access.
Step 3: Log in to your account to access your results when they are ready.