Study Links Higher Plasma Caffeine to Lower BMI and Reduced Type 2 Diabetes Risk in 10,000 People
Updated
Updated · ScienceAlert · May 28
Study Links Higher Plasma Caffeine to Lower BMI and Reduced Type 2 Diabetes Risk in 10,000 People
2 articles · Updated · ScienceAlert · May 28
Genetic data from nearly 10,000 people linked higher plasma caffeine levels to lower BMI, lower whole-body fat mass and a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes.
About half of that diabetes-risk reduction appeared to be mediated through lower BMI, with researchers pointing to caffeine-driven thermogenesis and fat oxidation as possible mechanisms.
The study used Mendelian randomization and variants near CYP1A2 and AHR—genes tied to slower caffeine metabolism, which keeps caffeine in the blood longer even as carriers often consume less of it.
No significant association emerged between plasma caffeine levels and cardiovascular diseases including atrial fibrillation, heart failure and stroke.
Researchers said randomized controlled trials are still needed to test whether non-caloric caffeinated drinks could help cut obesity and type 2 diabetes risk over the long term.
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