In a nutshell
The aim of this study was to see if people with certain genes (that make the body less effective at breaking down coffee) have an increased risk of heart disease when they regularly drink coffee. The main finding of the study was that heavy coffee drinking was associated with an increased risk of heart disease and this risk did not change based on our genes.
Some background
Coffee is one of the most widely consumed stimulants. The health risks and benefits of coffee have been long debated. An increased risk of heart and blood vessel disease (cardiovascular disease, CVD) has been suggested with coffee drinking.
Coffee is broken down by enzymes in the liver. There is a certain gene that some people have that results in the enzyme not working as well as it does in other people. Therefore, coffee is not broken down as well in these people. This gene is called CYP1A2. If coffee is not broken down as effectively, it remains in the body for a longer period of time. Therefore, it is not known if having the CYP1A2 gene increases the risk of CVD in people who drink coffee regularly.
Methods & findings
This study analyzed data from 347,077 individuals. 8,368 of these people had CVD. An analysis was done on their genes, coffee intake and CVD.
Compared to those who drink 1-2 cups of coffee a day, people who did not drink coffee had an 11% increased risk of CVD. People who drink decaffeinated coffee had a 7% increased risk of CVD. People who drink more than 6 cups of coffee a day had 22% increased risk of CVD. People who had the CYP1A2 gene did not have an increased risk of CVD.
The bottom line
The authors concluded that heavy coffee drinking is associated with a moderately increased risk of CVD. However, people with a CYP1A2 gene were not at a greater risk than those who did not have that specific gene.
Published By :
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
Date :
Mar 06, 2019
