DECODING THE ROBUSTA PARADOX: PHARMACOGENETIC ANALYSIS AND STRATEGIES FOR PERSONALIZED CAFFEINE INTERVENTION IN VIETNAM’S ELITE SPORTS

Abstract

Problem Statement: In the increasingly rigorous landscape of elite sports, the pursuit of safe and legal ergogenic aids remains a paramount priority. Caffeine (1,3,7-trimethylxanthine) has established itself as the "gold standard" within this category. However, significant inter-individual variability in response, coupled with the unique coffee consumption culture in Vietnam, where the caffeine-dense Robusta variety is predominant, has created critical knowledge gaps regarding optimal dosage and practical efficacy (Guest et al., 2021; Southward et al., 2018). Approach: This study conducts a systematic and narrative review, synthesizing literature evidence from PubMed and Scopus databases, alongside consensus statements from the International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN) (Guest et al., 2021). The methodology focuses on analyzing molecular mechanisms, the impact of pharmacogenetics (specifically the CYP1A2 and ADORA2A genes), and empirical comparisons between Vietnamese consumption habits and international standards (Barreto et al., 2023; Pickering & Kiely, 2024). Purpose: This report aims to elucidate the multidimensional mechanisms of caffeine on athletic performance, evaluate the impact of ethno-genetic factors, and develop an Optimized Intervention Framework (OIF) tailored to the specific profiles of Vietnamese athletes. By addressing the "Robusta Paradox," the study seeks to maximize athletic achievements while mitigating potential health risks. Results: Caffeine enhances endurance performance by 2–4% and muscular strength by 2–6% (Southward et al., 2018; Szerej et al., 2024). However, Vietnamese athletes face a higher risk of toxicity due to the caffeine content in domestic Robusta (2.2–2.7%), which is nearly double that of international Arabica (1.2–1.5%) (Cafely, 2024; Solaí Coffee, 2024). Regarding the CYP1A2 gene, the AA genotype displays significant performance improvements, whereas the CC genotype may lead to ergolytic effects and adverse cardiovascular side effects (Barreto et al., 2023; Pickering & Kiely, 2024). Recent studies from 2024–2025 confirm that a 3 mg/kg dose in capsule form is optimal for the vast majority of endurance athletes (Wang et al., 2025a). Conclusions: Caffeine intervention must be individualized based on genetic profiles and habitual consumption patterns. Vietnamese athletes should receive specific guidance on regulating dosages from natural coffee sources, while prioritizing alternative delivery formats such as caffeinated gum or mouth rinsing to achieve peak performance without compromising sleep quality or the recovery process (Silva et al., 2025).