How are Alcohol and Caffeine Metabolized?
Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are small variations in a single “letter” of DNA that can be found throughout our entire genetic make-up. SNPs in genes responsible for the production of enzymes involved in the alcohol or caffeine metabolic pathways may affect the metabolism of such substances. Alcohol is metabolized by multiple enzymes including alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 (ALDH2). ADH is produced by two genes, ADH2 and ADH3, while ALDH2 is produced by the ALDH2 gene. • Specific SNPs in these genes may influence overall metabolic rate – how fast or slow alcohol is metabolized in the body. Some research has suggested that there are potential health benefits from moderate drinking depending on an individual’s combination of “fast” and “slow” variants of these genes. Caffeine (as well as multiple medications) are metabolized by the CYP1A2 enzyme. This enzyme is produced by the CYP1A2 gene. • Specific SNPs in this gene can influence overall metabolic rat
