Genes make people drink more caffeine

Researchers from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the National Cancer Institute, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard School of Public Health have discovered a link between the genetic variation of two genes and caffeine intake.

Caffeine can affect our lives in a number a ways. It can influence our mood, energy levels, mental/physical performance, and sleep patterns. It is consumed by over 90 percent of U.S. adults, and is one of the most consumed stimulants in the world, according to DailyTech.

A new study published in PLoS Genetics found that people who carry a particular version of two specific genes were much more likely to consume caffeine. The genes identified were CYP1A2, previously linked to the metabolism of caffeine, and AHR, involved in the regulation of CYP1A2.

Researchers said that the information will act as a new tool to study physical effects influenced by caffeine, including exercise, sleep, anxiety and many other medical conditions. They also hope to study why people react differently to caffeine and how the drug can impact other conditions like diabetes and heart disease, ABC News reports.