New research suggests that drinking coffee may have outsized effects on the composition and health of human guts.
Published in Nature Microbiology, the research shows that coffee consumption is closely linked to the abundance of Lawsonibacter asaccharolyticus, a bacterium that plays an important role in gut health.
The study illuminates mechanisms by which coffee contributes to the gut microbiome, the collection of bacteria, yeasts and fungi associated with digestion, nutrient absorption, immunity and other physical and mental health issues. By identifying a direct link between coffee and the gut microbe, the study provides a new framework for understanding how diet impacts gut health, according to the authors.
Researchers analyzed gut microbiome data from over 22,000 participants across the United States and the UK, supplemented by a review of public data sets covering more than 54,000 individuals.
The results revealed that L. asaccharolyticus was significantly more prevalent and abundant in coffee drinkers compared to non-drinkers, regardless of whether the coffee was caffeinated or decaffeinated.
The effects of coffee consumption on L. asaccharolyticus production were most pronounced between non-coffee-drinkers and moderate to heavy coffee drinkers, with 4.5-8 times more production of the bacterium among drinkers.
None of the authors in the study declared conflicts of interest associated with the coffee industry. However, at least seven of the study authors are or have been affiliated with the private company ZOE. The company leverages its scientific findings to support its for-profit dietary subscription platform.
“This study forms a vital scientific building block,” ZOE the company said in an announcement of the research. “As we dig further into the relationship between coffee and gut bacteria, we’ll slowly deepen our understanding of how they interact to support health.”
Comments? Questions? News to share? Contact DCN’s editors here.
Related Posts
Comment