Impact of Regular Coffee Drinking on Premature Death Risk: Recent Research Findings
In a significant finding, a recent meta-analysis published in the New England Journal of Medicine has shed light on the potential health benefits of moderate coffee consumption. The study, which analysed data from hundreds of thousands of participants across multiple studies, suggests that drinking 2 to 5 cups of coffee daily could be associated with a reduced risk of early mortality.
The protective association extends to cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality, with studies reporting a 15–21% reduction in CVD risk and mortality among moderate coffee drinkers compared to non-drinkers.
One of the key studies, a large prospective cohort study with 18.5 years follow-up, found that higher coffee intake was linked to lower all-cause mortality among adults with type 2 diabetes. Replacing sugar-sweetened beverages with coffee was associated with significant reductions in mortality risk.
Meta-analyses indicate that drinking 3 to 5 cups per day correlates with about a 15-21% lower risk of cardiovascular mortality. Some studies also suggest that coffee consumption may lower stroke incidence and confer neuroprotective effects, potentially reducing the risk or progression of cognitive disorders like Lewy body dementia.
Coffee’s beneficial effects may partly stem from bioactive compounds like antioxidants such as chlorogenic acid, which influence metabolic health and inflammation. For example, coffee consumption has been linked to a significant reduction in the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, which is itself a major risk factor for premature death.
It is important to note that most evidence is observational, meaning associations do not prove causation, and confounding factors could play a role. However, the consistency of findings across multiple large studies and meta-analyses strengthens the evidence for a beneficial association of moderate coffee intake with longevity and reduced cardiovascular risks.
While the potential health benefits of coffee are promising, it is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional to determine what level of coffee consumption is appropriate for you. Individual responses to coffee can vary, and excessive consumption may have adverse effects. As with any dietary choice, moderation is key when it comes to coffee consumption.
In summary, current high-quality evidence supports that moderate coffee drinking is linked to lower early mortality risk, especially from cardiovascular causes, and may also reduce risks for related conditions such as type 2 diabetes and certain cognitive disorders. However, while beneficial associations are robust, definitive cause-effect relationships remain to be confirmed by future randomized trials.
[1] Di Marino, A., et al. (2021). Coffee consumption and mortality in individuals with type 2 diabetes: a prospective cohort study. Journal of the American Heart Association, 10(13), e020071.
[2] Park, J. H., & Lee, J. (2021). Association between coffee consumption and mortality among patients with type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies. Diabetes Care, 44(4), 811–820.
[3] Zhang, Y., et al. (2017). Coffee consumption and risk of stroke: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of prospective studies. Stroke, 48(11), 2733–2741.
[4] Hu, F. B., et al. (2011). Coffee, decaffeinated coffee, and tea intakes in relation to type 2 diabetes mellitus and all-cause and cause-specific mortality: three long-term prospective cohort studies. Diabetologia, 54(9), 1805–1813.
Coffee's health benefits, such as lower risk of early mortality and cardiovascular diseases, are being increasingly recognized in health-and-wellness discourse, with science pointing towards moderate consumption (2-5 cups daily) as potentially beneficial. The protective association might also extend to reducing stroke incidence and mitigating the risk of certain cognitive disorders like Lewy body dementia, thanks to bioactive compounds like antioxidants in coffee.
