Know your genes. Know yourself.

Caffeine metabolism genetic testing QUICK FACTS

You may wonder how much caffeine is healthy for you to have each day. For many people, consuming small amounts of caffeine each day doesnt cause health problems. However, recent evidence shows that different people process caffeine at different speeds. If you are a person who processes caffeine slowly, consuming more caffeine than your body can manage may result in an increased risk of health problems. A simple genetic test can help you understand more about how well your body metabolises caffeine and what this might mean for your health.

PEOPLE METABOLISE CAFFEINE AT DIFFERENT RATES. A GENETIC TEST CAN TELL YOU WHETHER YOU ARE A SLOW OR FAST METABOLISER OF CAFFEINE

What is caffeine and how does it affect you?

Caffeine is the most commonly consumed stimulant in the world. Many people enjoy caffeine in drinks and food such as coffee, tea, soft drinks and chocolate. When you consume these drinks and food you may feel more alert and feel that you have more energy. For some people, caffeine-containing drinks and food may make them feel overly anxious. How caffeine makes you feel depends on a number of factors, including how much you usually consume, whether or not you smoke, interactions with medicines and your genes. For many people, consuming small amounts of caffeinesuch as two small cups of coffee each day is considered healthy and shouldnt increase the risk of health problems. However, some people have a gene variation that causes their body to metabolise caffeine more slowly. This means that caffeine stays in the body for longer where it can increase the risk of some health problems. For these people, caffeine can increase the risk of heart attack, high blood pressure, anxiety, sleeping problems and possibly miscarriage. It is helpful to know how your body responds to caffeine and how this may affect your risk of these health conditions, as this can help you make informed decisions about your future caffeine intake.

SLOW METABOLISER

FAST METABOLISER

IF YOU ARE A SLOW METABOLISER OF CAFFEINE THE STIMULANT EFFECTS REMAIN IN YOUR BODY FOR LONGER. FOR EXAMPLE:
FOR THIS AMOUNT OF COFFEE PER DAY: FOR THIS AMOUNT OF COFFEE PER DAY:

2-3

CUPS

>4

CUPS

How do your genes affect caffeine metabolism?

The caffeine you drink and eat is broken down in your liver by the CYP1A2 enzyme. This enzyme is controlled by the CYP1A2 gene. Some people have variations in the CYP1A2 gene, which means their CYP1A2 enzyme may not break down caffeine as well as other people. For these people, caffeine may stay in their body for a longer period of time where it may cause health problems.

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Caffeine metabolism genetic testing

Who should have a genetic test for caffeine metabolism?

Having a simple genetic test is the only way of knowing if you have a variation in the CYP1A2 gene that can result in slow caffeine metabolism and increase your risk of certain health problems. Anyone can have a caffeine metabolism genetic test, however it may be especially useful for: People with a personal or family history of heart disease or high blood pressure. People who have other risk factors for heart disease or high blood pressuresuch as smoking, high blood cholesterol or being overweight. People who have problems getting to sleep or staying asleep (insomnia). Anyone who feels over-stimulated or anxious after consuming caffeine. Sport and exercise enthusiasts. Women who are pregnant or who are planning a pregnancy. Using the results from your caffeine metabolism genetic test, a healthcare professional such as a dietitian can guide you on the appropriate amount of caffeine intake for you.

Caffeine and sport

Caffeine may have a performance-enhancing effect, which is why some sports do not allow participants to consume caffeine before training or competition. If you play a sport where caffeine is not allowed, understanding whether you are a slow or fast caffeine metaboliser can help you take into consideration the implications this may have for your sportand potentially how much caffeine you can consume prior tocompeting.

Why have a genetic test and what does it involve?

The results from genetic testing, combined with your other health information, help you and your healthcare professional work towards living a healthier life. Information from a genetic test can allow your healthcare professional to make personalised recommendations to improve your health. A genetic test involves rubbing the inside of your mouth with a swab to collect cheek cells that contain your DNA the genetic material that you inherited from both your parents and makes you an individual. Your DNA is then tested in a laboratory to look for certain genes or variations in specific genes that may influence your health. The results are sent back to your healthcare professional to discuss with you and so together you can work on strategies to improve your future health.

What will the results tell me?

Your results will tell you if you have variations on the CYP1A2 gene that influences whether you are either a slow or fast metaboliser ofcaffeine. Your healthcare professional will explain what this result means to you and your recommended future caffeine intake, taking into consideration other relevant information about your health.

What should I do next?

If you want to live a healthier life and help prevent health problems from developing in the future, having a caffeine metabolism genetic test may help you. To order a test, speak with you local healthcare professional or visit www.mygene.com.au for more information.

Who is MyGene?
MyGene is an Australian-owned and run company that offers genetic testing to individuals through healthcare professionals. A team of experts including geneticists, pharmacists, dietitians, medical specialists and other healthcare professionals develops MyGenes genetic tests and products. MyGene has its own laboratory located in Melbourne, Victoria. Your genetic samples are analysed in this laboratory and then a report is delivered back to your healthcare professional to discuss with you, helping you to make preventative healthcare choices.

Suite 3, Level 2, 199 Toorak Road, South Yarra VIC 3141 1300 MyGene (1300 694 363) ABN: 69784514295

www.mygene.com.au
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