DNA diagnostics of caffeine metabolism efficiency
The gene is responsible for the synthesis of the CYP1A2 enzyme, a member of the cytochrome P450 superfamily. Different variants of the cytochrome CYP1A2 enzyme determined by the polymorphism (variation) of the CYP1A2 gene have different activities and caffeine metabolism occurs at a higher or lower rate. In people with low CYP1A2 enzyme activity (slow metabolism), caffeine acts more strongly and lasts longer, which increases the likelihood of side effects. In people with high CYP1A2 enzyme activity, the effect of caffeine is short-lived, which allows consuming more drinks/products containing caffeine without any harm to your health. The polymorphic variant rs762551 leads to increased enzyme activity and accelerated caffeine metabolism. Genotypes T/T and G/T ― fast caffeine metabolism; and G/G ― slow caffeine metabolism.