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A team of researchers from the Karolinska Institute (Sweden), the University of Bristol, and Imperial College London (United Kingdom) has announced that calorie-free caffeinated beverages may help reduce fat deposits and lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
How Did the Scientists Discover This?
“Genetically predicted higher concentrations of caffeine in plasma are associated with a lower body mass index (BMI) and overall body fat mass. Moreover, genetically predicted higher concentrations of caffeine in plasma are linked to a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes,” the researchers wrote in their report.
Using genetic markers, the scientists identified a significant connection between caffeine levels, body mass index (BMI), and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. They analyzed genetic data from nearly 10,000 individuals obtained from medical databases, focusing on variations in genes related to the metabolism of caffeine.
Individuals with variations affecting the CYP1A2 gene and its regulator, AHR, metabolize caffeine more slowly, allowing it to remain in the bloodstream longer. To determine potential causal relationships between these genetic variations and outcomes such as diseases (for example, diabetes), body weight, and lifestyle factors, the researchers employed a method known as Mendelian randomization.
The team found a significant link between caffeine levels, BMI, and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, as reported by Science Alert. They found no connection between caffeine levels in the blood and cardiovascular diseases, including atrial fibrillation, heart failure, and stroke.
Previous studies also linked moderate caffeine consumption to lower BMI and better heart health.
Overall, this new research adds more detail to what is already known about caffeine’s effects on the body. The team emphasized that their new findings relate to how caffeine enhances thermogenesis (heat production) and fat oxidation (the conversion of fat into energy) in the body. Both processes play a crucial role in overall metabolism.
Although the study examined a large sample, Mendelian randomization has limitations, and some factors may not have been accounted for. Further research is needed to confirm the findings.
The results of the study were published in BMJ Medicine.
