A study by researchers from the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry and UCSD explored the genetic and environmental factors influencing coffee consumption. Utilizing genetic data from the 23andMe cohort in the U.S. and the UK Biobank, the genome-wide association study (GWAS) identified gene variants linked to coffee intake. The findings revealed that genetics do play a role in determining coffee consumption habits, with certain gene variants inherited from parents influencing how much coffee one is likely to drink. Surprisingly, the study also found genetic correlations between coffee consumption and harmful health outcomes like obesity and substance use in both populations, although this does not imply causation. The research showed complex relationships between coffee intake and psychiatric conditions, with opposing genetic correlations in the U.S. and U.K. data sets. The discrepancies could be due to differing cultural habits, such as variations in tea and coffee consumption. The research highlights the need for further studies to fully understand the intricate relationship between coffee, genetics, and health.
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