Coffee consumption alters gut microbes and mood, study finds
New research from University College Cork indicates that drinking coffee significantly impacts gut bacteria and improves mood, with effects observed even with decaffeinated coffee.
Researchers at University College Cork's APC Microbiome Ireland have identified distinct changes in gut bacteria and mood associated with coffee consumption. The study, published in Nature Communications, involved 63 healthy adults and explored the mechanisms behind coffee's widely believed digestive and mood-enhancing properties.
Participants were asked to abstain from coffee for two weeks. Following this period, coffee was reintroduced, with half receiving caffeinated and the other half decaffeinated versions. The research team observed notable changes in the gut microbiome, including increased levels of specific bacteria such as Cryptobacterium curtum, Eggerthella sp., and Firmicutes, in regular coffee drinkers.
Crucially, both the caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee groups reported reduced levels of stress, depression, and impulsivity. This suggests that coffee's benefits for mental well-being extend beyond its caffeine content, potentially through its influence on the gut-brain axis.
The study, conducted between September 2021 and January 2023, adds to the understanding of how dietary components like coffee can interact with the gut microbiome to influence overall health.