Caffeine’s boost: a genetic lottery for strength and stamina
A new study clarifies how genetics influence the performance-enhancing effects of caffeine. In a trial with 94 resistance-trained individuals, a 3 mg/kg dose of caffeine improved muscular strength and endurance across the board, increasing movement velocity by up to 12% in bench press and squat tests. However, the magnitude of the benefit was stratified by the CYP1A2 gene variant: individuals with the AA genotype saw the greatest improvements, AC carriers had intermediate gains, and those with the CC genotype showed minimal changes. The research confirms caffeine as a broadly effective ergogenic aid but highlights that genetic makeup can significantly modulate an athlete’s individual response.
Why it might matter to you:
This research provides a more nuanced evidence base for personalizing nutritional ergogenic strategies in high-performance settings. For professionals managing athlete preparation, it underscores the potential value of genetic screening to predict responsiveness to common supplements like caffeine. This could inform more precise dosing protocols to maximize performance benefits while avoiding unnecessary supplementation for those unlikely to respond.
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