Overview

The digestive system is a sequential set of organs associated with the digestion and absorption of food and beverages. Research suggests that coffee consumption is not associated with the development or worsening of symptoms of a number of gastrointestinal disorders¹.

Studies into common gastrointestinal conditions such as dyspepsia², gastro oesophageal reflux disease (GORD)^3,4, gastritis⁵, and wider inflammatory bowel disorders⁶ or irritable bowel syndrome⁷ suggest that coffee is not associated with the development of these disorders. Research also suggests that coffee consumption does not worsen symptoms in those who suffer some of these conditions when confounding factors, such as body mass index (BMI), wider diet, and smoking status, are controlled⁸.

Research on other organs associated with the gastrointestinal tract suggests that coffee consumption is associated with a reduced risk of gallbladder disease^9-11, and with lower incidence and progression of liver disease^12-13.

A growing area of research in nutrition and health is the role of gut microbiota, and the dietary habits that support a healthy microflora. Coffee consumption is generally reported to increase gut microbiota diversity, with a potential role of coffee’s polyphenol components in driving this¹⁴. The role of food and drink consumption on gut microflora is a complex and growing area of research, which will continue to benefit from further studies.

Outside of common gastrointestinal disorders, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) concluded in its 2016 report that there is inadequate research to suggest any link between coffee consumption and cancer of the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, stomach, oesophagus, or colorectum¹⁵. Data reviewed by the IARC also revealed that coffee drinking is associated with a reduced occurrence of liver cancer and found no association between coffee consumption and increased risk of pancreatic cancer¹⁵.

The content in this overview was last edited in May 2025. Papers in the research section and further resources are added regularly.