Coffee Drinking in Your Genes? Genetic Variants in Two Genes Linked With Caffeine Intake

Two genes in which variation affects intake of caffeine, the most widely consumed stimulant in the world, have been discovered. A team of investigators from the National Cancer Institute, Harvard School of Public Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill examined genetic variation across the entire genome of more than 47,000 individuals from the U.S., as described in the open-access journal PLoS Genetics.

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The genes identified were CYP1A2, which has previously been implicated in the metabolism of caffeine, and AHR, involved in the regulation of CYP1A2. Individuals with the highest-consumption genotype for either gene consumed ~40 mg more caffeine than those with the lowest-consumption genotype, equivalent to the amount of 1/3 cup of caffeinated coffee, or 1 can of cola.

Caffeine is implicated in numerous physiological and medical conditions; it affects sleep patterns, energy levels, mood, and mental and physical performance. The identification of genes that have an impact on daily consumption offers opportunities to better understand these conditions. Further exploration of the identified genetic variants may provide insight into the speed of caffeine metabolism, how long caffeine circulates in the blood, or how strong the physiological effects of consuming a given amount of caffeine are.

Apart from smoking, genetic determinants of lifestyle behaviors have generally not been consistently described. This study is among the first to examine the entire genome for a relationship between genetics and caffeine intake, a lifestyle behavior relevant to over 90% of U.S. adults. The study's success also suggests that additional genetic determinants of dietary and lifestyle behaviors may be identified in the future using a similar genome-based research strategy.

Sleep pods offer workers a chance to recharge their batteries

Most employees would agree that cups of coffee and mugs of tea can only go so far towards keeping them sharp and alert throughout the working day. Aiming to provide a space where workers can better recharge their batteries with a short sleep, PodTime hopes to give a daytime boost to the weary.

The London-based company has installed their suite of pods in the busy Canary Wharf area, targeting their services explicitly towards daytime workers. The pods themselves, measuring 2.1 by 1.1 meters, are designed to hold one person for a short nap, with the option to book half an hour sessions for GDP 5.99 or a full hour for GDP 9.99. Podtime highlights the hygiene of its pods, which are cleaned after each use; the comfort of the foam and faux-leather mattresses; and the low noise levels experienced inside the pods, with additional ear plugs provided if required. The user can lock the pod from the inside, and they are asked to leave quietly once the interior digital clock displays that their allotted time is up.

There can be no question that a more rested and alert workforce is a better workforce. However, we would suggest that more flexible working hours and a better work-life balance would equal a more effective long-term solution. Nevertheless, one to investigate for time-starved workers in your area?

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