Caffeine could help lower body fat and diabetes risk: Study
What's the story
A recent study has found a possible connection between the amount of caffeine in your blood and your body fat levels. This relationship could further affect the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. The research was carried out by a team from Sweden's Karolinska Institute, University of Bristol, and Imperial College London in the UK.
Research approach
Genetic markers used to establish link
Published in BMJ Medicine, the study used genetic markers to establish a more definitive link between caffeine levels, body mass index (BMI), and type 2 diabetes risk. The researchers found that "genetically predicted higher plasma caffeine concentrations were associated with lower BMI and whole body fat mass." These higher plasma caffeine concentrations were also linked to a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes.
Study findings
Caffeine's impact on diabetes risk and body fat
The study analyzed data from nearly 10,000 individuals, collected from existing genetic databases. It looked at variations in or near specific genes known to be associated with the speed at which caffeine is broken down. Interestingly, those with variations affecting these genes tend to break caffeine down more slowly, permitting it to remain in the blood longer but also tend to consume less caffeine overall.
Methodology
Causal relationships and health implications
The researchers employed a technique known as Mendelian randomization to establish probable causal links between the presence of these variations, diseases such as diabetes, body mass, and lifestyle factors. While a strong association was established between caffeine levels, BMI, and type 2 diabetes risk; no association appeared between the level of caffeine in the blood and cardiovascular diseases such as atrial fibrillation, heart failure, and stroke.
Potential benefits
Caffeine's metabolic effects
The researchers suggested that the association could be due to the way caffeine increases thermogenesis (heat production) and fat oxidation (turning fat into energy) in the body, both crucial for overall metabolism. However, they emphasized that more research is needed to confirm cause and effect. The team stated, "Considering the extensive intake of caffeine worldwide, even its small metabolic effects could have important health implications."