Study of 62 Adults Finds 4 Cups of Coffee Reshape Gut Microbiome and Mood
Updated
Updated · We Love Cycling · Jun 19
Study of 62 Adults Finds 4 Cups of Coffee Reshape Gut Microbiome and Mood
3 articles · Updated · We Love Cycling · Jun 19
Summary
A Nature Communications study tracked 62 adults and found coffee altered gut microbes in ways tied to mood, stress and cognition through the gut-brain axis.
The trial put 31 regular coffee drinkers through a 14-day washout, then a 21-day reintroduction with 4 daily cups of either decaf or caffeinated coffee, while researchers measured cognition, mood, immune markers and stool and urine samples.
Eggertella sp., Cryptobacterium curtum and some Firmicutes were more prominent in coffee drinkers, linking coffee intake to acid production, bile acid synthesis and microbes previously associated with positive emotions.
Decaf improved learning, memory, sleep quality and positive affect, while caffeinated coffee reduced anxiety, sharpened attention and alertness, lowered inflammation risk and cut systolic blood pressure versus decaf.
The findings suggest coffee's effects extend beyond caffeine alone, with polyphenols and other compounds potentially shaping gut health and mental well-being.