INTOLERANCE TO CAFFEINE

A cup of coffee is a habit that many people can not do without. But is it really healthy for all? We start from the principle that caffeine is an alkaloid with numerous effects on the body: its chemical conformation makes it suitable to interact with specific receptors that regulate the function of the cardiovascular system , endocrine and nervous favoring the release of two important hormones adrenaline and noradrenaline , facilitating the increase in the body's metabolism , heart rate , blood pressure and respirations. Recent studies have expanded the knowledge on the interactions of caffeine, highlighting additional roles.

CAFFEINE AND HEALTH

An important recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Associaton monitored 4000 persons referred to in 2000 recovering from myocardial infarction. Taking into account all the other factors has highlighted how people in poor metabolisers of caffeine were associated with a high risk of heart attack increases in proportion to the dose. “The risk of heart attack increases by 36% in poor metabolizers and you get up to 64% for high consumers of caffeine. The risk doubles if the age is less than 59 years and less than four times if 50.Chi instead presents the version of the gene associated with rapid metabolism of caffeine is protected from the risk of heart attack. Other studies correlate instead caffeine with fertility and pregnancy. These studies have shown that women with the gene encoding the slow metabolism of caffeine have a higher risk of abortions and reduce their fertility while those in fast metabolization not run these risks consuming the same amount of coffee.

CAFFEINE HIDDEN

Contrary to popular belief a long coffee , although it is less dense , contains more caffeine than normal, and even more than that restricted. We find the caffeine in coffee than in other beverages ( chocolate , tea , energy drinks , Coca Cola etc.…) now also increasingly being used in diet bars , herbal products , anti-cellulite cosmetics , and other specialties freely available. The data are average caffeine content : for a cup of tea or a can about 20-30 mg , a chocolate 10 mg , a can of Coca Cola 40 mg and an energy drink 80 mg.

THE GENETIC TEST OF CAFFEINE

The test is a simple and accurate genetic test painless and non-invasive ( saliva sample ) to check whether a person has a fast or slow metabolism of caffeine. Caffeine is metabolized in the body by the enzyme cytochrome p450 1A2. Each person has two copies of the gene CYP1A2. There are two gene variants that affect the metabolism of caffeine. Individuals who possess two pairs CYP1A2 * 1A allele are fast metabolizers of caffeine , while subjects presenting even a single allele CYP1A2 * 1F are poor metabolizers. Individuals who slowly metabolize caffeine should be monitored daily dose , if you consume it in a major way ( 2/3 cups a day) may have adverse effects including an increased risk of myocardial infarction.

Who should carry out the test?

All consumers of coffee or caffeinated beverages. Women with recurrent miscarriage who have not found a cause. Anyone who wants to take advantage of recent scientific studies to maintain good health.