What is Caffeine Metabolism?

Caffeine is the most widely consumed psychoactive substance in the world. Caffeine is found mainly in coffee, tea other caffeinated food products. Caffeine is generally absorbed rapidly from gastrointestinal tract and is metabolised by cytochrome P-450 enzymes, which is coded for by the gene CYP1A2. Caffeine has been associated to several potential health benefits. Caffeine acts as antioxidant for preventing diseases and helps in reducing risk of chronic diseases, including diabetes and liver disease. However, caffeine should be consumed in moderation. Excessive caffeine intake can lead to nutrient (such as vitamin B6) depletion, and interference of essential minerals absorption, such as calcium, iron and magnesium, which may eventually lead to decreased bone mass density and osteoporosis. Caffeine is absorbed and passes rapidly to the brain. It does not get stored in body and leaves the body in the urine after several hours upon consumption. The psychological effects at low doses of caffeine include mild euphoria, alertness and enhanced cognitive performance. Side effects of caffeine consumption include nausea, anxiety, trembling and jitteriness, fast heart rate, headaches and difficulty sleeping.

How It Affects Your Body

Caffeine is absorbed and passed rapidly to the brain. It does not get stored in the body and leaves the body through urination after several hours upon consumption. Individuals with slower caffeine metabolism may require less caffeine than individuals with faster caffeine metabolism to achieve or maintain the levels needed for the optimal psychostimulant effects of caffeine, and the threshold for adverse effects of caffeine may also be lower.

Signs and Symptoms (High Caffeine Metabolism)

Signs and Symptoms (Low Caffeine Metabolism)