Back in 2018, researchers suggested that four cups of strong coffee daily could benefit heart health. Yet coffee consumption varies widely among individuals. A comprehensive U.S. study now links this craving to genetics—and the habits of family, friends, and colleagues.
Statistician Paul Williams from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab, USA) led this research, published in Behavioral Genetics on January 3, 2020. It analyzed data from 4,788 child/parent pairs and 2,380 sibling pairs. Participants reported their diets, physical activity, medications, and health monitoring.
The goal: to clarify how genetics and social behaviors impact cardiovascular disease risk. Williams applied quantile regression to assess genetic influences and the role of surrounding behaviors on coffee intake.
Findings reveal that 36% to 58% of coffee consumption is genetically determined. Genetics and environment interact: each additional daily cup consumed by family members correlated with higher intake among children.
Williams notes a robust genetic basis for coffee consumption, evident for over 50 years amid the drink's rise in households. Variations, however, tie more to environment. Social circles of coffee drinkers amplify genetic effects—if family, friends, or coworkers indulge heavily, those coffee-related genes express more strongly.
Prior research supports this, citing influences like age, gender, smoking, location, and culture as key environmental factors.
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