Metabolising Caffeine: How Your Body Processes the World’s Favourite Stimulant
Caffeine is one of the most widely consumed substances in the world. Found in coffee, tea, chocolate, energy drinks, and various medications, it’s known for its ability to boost alertness, enhance concentration, and temporarily reduce fatigue. While many people consume caffeine daily, far fewer understand how their bodies actually process it.
The way we metabolise caffeine varies significantly from person to person. Some individuals can enjoy an espresso after dinner and sleep soundly, while others feel jittery after a single cup of tea. These differences are largely due to genetics, liver function, and lifestyle factors. Understanding how the body metabolises caffeine can help you make more informed choices about how and when to consume it.
What Happens When You Consume Caffeine
After ingestion, caffeine is absorbed through the stomach and small intestine and enters the bloodstream. It typically reaches peak levels within 30 to 60 minutes. From there, it travels to the liver, where it is metabolised by an enzyme called cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2). This enzyme breaks caffeine down into three primary compounds: paraxanthine, theobromine, and theophylline. Each of these metabolites has different effects on the body.
Paraxanthine is responsible for increasing the breakdown of fats and stimulating the …