DNA Caffeine Sensitivity Test

 Ever wonder if you need to cut back your caffeine intake? Discover whether you are a fast or slow caffeine metabolizer with the DNA caffeine Sensitivity Test.

• Genetic variants in the CYP1A2 gene

• "Slow" metabolizers are at increased risk of heart attacks and hypertension

• Quick and painless sample collection

• 100% private and confidential online results

 Detailed Description

Not all of us are equally affected by caffeine. Caffeine sensitivity depends on how long it stays around in our bodies. Some of us are “fast” caffeine metabolizers and clear caffeine much faster, while “slow” metabolizers take longer to clear it from their body.

The longer caffeine stays in the circulation, the higher the risk of a heart attack or high blood pressure (hypertension). By drinking more than 3 cups of coffee per day a slow metabolizer may be increasing their risk of

•  a heart attack by 2- to 4-fold

•  hypertension by 3-fold

Take this simple genetic analysis to determine if caffeine consumption may be harming your health.

The Genetics

Close to 95% of the caffeine in the body is broken down by the CYP1A2 enzyme.

There are two common genetic variants of this enzyme – a “fast” metabolizer variant and a “slow” metabolizer variant.

The "slow" caffeine metabolizer variant

The “slow” genetic variant is associated with lower levels of the CYP1A2 enzyme and a slower rate of caffeine breakdown. People who inherit the “slow” variant take longer to clear caffeine from their body.

The longer the caffeine stays in circulation, the higher the risk of heart problems and hypertension. Reduced caffeine consumption is recommended for “slow” metabolizers.

Effects of Caffeine

Caffeine is the most widely used psychoactive drug in the world. But, unlike other drugs that affect the brain, it’s legal, unregulated, and is available in many different forms.

Once in our bodies, caffeine will

• bind to receptors on the surface of nerve cells increasing their activity.
• stimulate the pituitary gland to release hormones.
• prompt the adrenal glands to make the “fight or flight” hormone adrenaline.

Caffeine also increases the levels of the “feel good” dopamine, a chemical messenger in our brain, activating the pleasure centers of the brain. This increase in dopamine may be behind caffeine addiction.

 How It Works

Step 1: Order test kit online
Step 2: Collect DNA sample using a painless mouth swab, and mail to the lab in the provided return envelope.
Step 3: Receive your results online.