Findings of new research suggest regular coffee consumption may contribute to improved health in older adults.
Researchers found habitual coffee consumption was associated with a reduced risk of frailty - defined by presence of weight loss, weakness, exhaustion, slow walking speed, or low physical activity.
The new research is the first to analyse the relationship between coffee consumption and the underlying components of frailty.
A new study1 published in the European Journal of Nutrition has suggested that habitual coffee consumption of 4-6 cups and over* (with one cup measuring at 125ml) per day is associated with a reduced risk of frailty. The study, funded by the Institute for Scientific Information on Coffee (ISIC) is the first to analyse the relationship between coffee consumption and the underlying components of frailty.
Coffee consumption has previously been linked to reducing the risk of some of the natural symptoms of ageing, such as improving cognitive function2 and mitigating against inflammatory related diseases3. This latest research adds to the growing knowledge base within this area, exploring the benefits of regular coffee consumption over an extended period of time.
For this study, researchers conducted a detailed analysis over a long seven-year follow-up period, surveying 1,161 adults aged 55+ years through the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam (LASA).
The relationship between coffee consumption and the presence and incidence of frailty was investigated. Frailty status was evaluated using Fried’s five-component frailty phenotype4,which is defined by the presence of three or more of the following symptoms: weight loss, weakness, exhaustion, slow gait (walking) speed, and low physical activity.
The results of this study indicate that higher habitual coffee consumption is associated with lower overall odds of frailty. These findings can be considered alongside the European Food Safety Authority’s (EFSA) scientific opinion that up to 400mg of caffeine (3-5 cups of coffee) per day is a moderate and safe amount5.
The researchers explain that coffee’s effect on reducing frailty can partly be attributed to the role of antioxidants in coffee, which may help to reduce inflammation, sarcopenia(muscle loss), and prevention of muscle damage. Coffee may also help to improve regulating insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake in older people.
The study’s lead author, Margreet R. Olthof, Associate Professor at the Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, commented: “Drinking coffee is a key part of many people’s daily routine, and as people age they are constantly looking for ways to maintain their health. Our findings highlight the possible beneficial association between daily coffee consumption and reduced risk of frailty in later life in the older population. Coffee consumption may thus enhance healthy aging, but it is important we also explore further dietary interventions, to ensure older adults can continue to live fulfilling lives.”
* Moderate coffee consumption can be defined as 3–5 cups per day, basedon the European Food Safety Authority’s review of caffeine safety5.
-ENDS-
Notes to editors
- To read an overview of research into coffee and life expectancy please visit here.
- ISIC press office team contact information: isic.kaizo@cavendishconsulting.com.
Research team leader
- Margreet R. Olthof, Associate Professor at the Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.
About ISIC
The Institute for Scientific Information on Coffee (ISIC) is dedicated to contributing and consolidating balanced scientific information on coffee consumption – providing a reference for professionals and authorities who address health and wellbeing.
It’s activities include:
- Study of scientific matters
- Evaluation of studies and scientific information
- Support of independent scientific research
- Dissemination of balanced scientific evidence and knowledge to a broad range of stakeholders
ISIC respects scientific research ethics in all its activities. ISIC’s communications are based on sound science and rely on scientific studies derived from peer-reviewed scientific journals and other publications. ISIC members are five of the major European coffee companies: illycaffè, JDE Peet’s, Lavazza, Paulig and Tchibo.
About Coffee & Health
Coffee & Health is a science-based resource developed for healthcare and other professional audiences and provides the latest information and research into coffee, caffeine and health.
