Study on caffeine highlights the value of genetic testing
By Stephanie Gladman
New research from the University of Toronto shows that caffeine can help, hinder, or have no effect on athletic performance depending on which version of a gene athletes carry. The randomized controlled trial is the largest of its kind examining the effects of caffeine on athletic performance. Using genetic testing, researchers sought to determine whether genetic differences in caffeine metabolism resulted in different performance outcomes in athletes.
“Many athletes use caffeine before training or competition, and we wanted to know who is benefiting and who is not,” said Nanci Guest, lead author of the study entitled “Caffeine, Genetics, and Athletic performance,” which appears in the August issue of Medicine & Science in Sport & Exercise and is featured in an invited commentary in the Sports Medicine Bulletin of the American College of Sports Medicine.
With more and more athletes turning to genetic testing for personalized nutrition to gain a competitive edge, researchers at the University of Toronto continue to conduct studies to build the science, which helps to determine the best diet tailored to their genetic makeup.
“There are many fad diets that claim to improve health or enhance performance, but we need to conduct rigorous studies to know what actually works for a given individual or athlete,” said University of Toronto professor Ahmed El-Sohemy, senior author of the study. From weekend runners to Olympic hopefuls and professional athletes, everyone is keen to use this technology to perform their best by tapping into their DNA.”
Genetic testing allows us to provide recommendations for what foods to increase or limit, advise on ideal caffeine intakes for better health and sport performance, and identify potential food intolerances and sensitivities.
