CAN COFFEE AFFECT YOUR GUT HEALTH?

A new study published in Nature Microbiology suggests that coffee consumption may influence the gut microbiota, particularly by increasing the abundance of the bacterium Lawsonibacter asaccharolyticus. This provides insight into how specific foods can impact gut flora and the health benefits they offer.

What Does the Research Show?

Researchers examined the relationship between coffee consumption and gut bacteria using data from 22,867 participants in the U.S. and the U.K., along with publicly available data from 211 cohorts comprising 54,198 participants. They also conducted experiments where coffee was added to a growth medium containing L. asaccharolyticus isolated from human feces.

The study found:

• L. asaccharolyticus was four times more prevalent in coffee drinkers than in non-coffee drinkers.

• The bacterium showed significant growth when exposed to coffee in laboratory tests.

• The connection between coffee and gut microbiota was consistent across various populations and countries, with higher prevalence in coffee-drinking nations such as Luxembourg, Denmark, and Sweden, and lower prevalence in countries like China, Argentina, and India.

• Metabolite analyses revealed higher levels of quinic acid in coffee drinkers, a compound linked to both coffee and L. asaccharolyticus. Quinic acid is a polyphenol known for its strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also found in blueberries, cherries, apples, oats, and barley.

What Does This Mean in Practice?

The study provides a new perspective on how coffee can influence the gut microbiome and opens up opportunities to explore similar interactions between other foods and gut bacteria. Researchers highlight that the microbiome may play a crucial role in mediating coffee’s chemical and health effects.

According to lead researcher Paolo Manghi, PhD, from the University of Trento, the findings show how dietary habits can shape the gut microbiota. Further research could improve our understanding of which foods promote beneficial microorganisms and support gut health.

So, the next time you enjoy a cup of coffee, you might consider how it could be boosting both your gut flora and overall health! Coffee’s polyphenols (chlorogenic acid) and powerful antioxidants can support beneficial gut bacteria, while its caffeine content may enhance bowel movements. Coffee may also contribute to gut lining maintenance and reduce inflammation.

If you want to maximize the health benefits of coffee, try drinking it black—without sugar, milk, or cream.

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Reference:

• Manghi, Paolo, et al. "Coffee consumption is associated with intestinal Lawsonibacter asaccharolyticus abundance and prevalence across multiple cohorts." Nature Microbiology (2024): 1-15.