Scientists from the University of Toronto and other institutions have discovered that the link between heavy coffee drinking and kidney disease depends on a particular genetic variation.
The researchers found that people who drink three or more cups of coffee per day, which is equivalent to about 300 milligrams of Italian espresso, are at a higher risk of developing kidney dysfunction.
The risk of kidney dysfunction was significant in heavy coffee drinkers who have a slow-metabolizing variant of the CYP1A2 gene.
The variant makes it difficult for these individuals to process caffeine in their systems and can cause a buildup of harmful caffeine levels in their bodies.
On the other hand, heavy coffee drinkers had a different version of the gene that enables faster caffeine metabolism.
It allows them to eliminate caffeine from their systems more efficiently, were not at significant risk of developing kidney dysfunction.
The researchers noted that the prevalence of the CYP1A2 gene variant that makes people slow metabolizers of caffeine was around 50%, which is similar in both the study group and the general population.
In the study, the researchers focused on three markers of kidney dysfunction: albuminuria, hyperfiltration, and high blood pressure.
They found that markers of kidney disease were nearly three times higher in heavy coffee drinkers with the slow-metabolizing gene variant.
The findings suggest that personalized nutrition recommendations based on individual genetic makeup are essential for protecting kidney health.
Many companies and clinics now include CYP1A2 in personalized genetic tests, as different versions of the gene can affect risk for several conditions associated with caffeine consumption.
The researchers hope that this study will raise awareness about the importance of personalized nutrition recommendations based on individual genetic makeup.
The current guidelines in Canada and the U.S. recommend no more than 400 milligrams of caffeine per day for healthy adults.
The study shows that heavy coffee drinking can be harmful to kidney health, especially for people with the slow-metabolizing variant of the CYP1A2 gene.
The findings emphasize the importance of personalized nutrition recommendations based on individual genetic makeup to maintain kidney health.
How to prevent kidney disease
There are several steps that can be taken to prevent kidney disease, including:
Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight can all help to prevent kidney disease.
Manage underlying conditions: Diabetes and high blood pressure are two common conditions that can lead to kidney disease. If you have these conditions, it is important to work with your doctor to manage them effectively.
Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water and other fluids can help to flush toxins from the kidneys and prevent kidney stones.
Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption: These habits can damage the kidneys and lead to kidney disease over time.
Be cautious with over-the-counter medications: Some medications, such as pain relievers, can be harmful to the kidneys if taken in excess.
It is important to follow dosing instructions carefully and talk to your doctor if you have concerns.
Get regular check-ups: Regular blood pressure and kidney function tests can help to detect kidney disease early, when it is most treatable.
If you have a family history of kidney disease or are at increased risk for other reasons, it is especially important to take steps to prevent kidney disease.
Talk to your doctor about developing a personalized plan to maintain kidney health.
If you care about kidney health, please read studies about how to protect your kidneys from diabetes, and scientists find the key to treatment of kidney diseases.
For more information about kidney health, please see recent studies about how to live long with kidney disease, and common painkillers may harm heart, kidneys and more.
The study was conducted by Ahmed El-Sohemy et al and published in JAMA Network Open.
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