Myths vs facts: CYP2C19 and Sport

CYP2C19 is a drug-metabolizing enzyme primarily involved in processing medications like clopidogrel, proton pump inhibitors, and some antidepressants. Myths in sports claim that CYP2C19 variants predict athletic performance, recovery, or injury risk. The facts: no robust human studies show a direct link between CYP2C19 and sport outcomes. Evidence is limited to pharmacogenetic effects (e.g., altered painkiller or caffeine metabolism) that might indirectly affect training. MyBody-X tests include CYP2C19 in a nutrigenetic context, but without sport-specific validation. There is no 'athlete gene' here. Effect sizes are small, and lifestyle factors (diet, sleep, training) are far more influential. Be cautious of marketing hype. For medication-related questions, always consult a physician.