New research has found that a certain genetic variation can influence how much coffee a person drinks.
The study, which was published on the Nature journal’s Scientific Reports website, identified the gene PDSS2 as having a bearing on peoples’ enjoyment of coffee.
The researchers believe that a variation in that particular gene reduces the ability to break down caffeine, meaning it remains in the body longer and reduces the desire to drink more.
“Our results highlight a novel gene which regulates coffee consumption by regulating the expression of the genes linked to caffeine metabolism,” the study says.
“Further studies will be needed to clarify the biological mechanism which links PDSS2 and coffee consumption.”