• Coffee consumption stimulates digestive processes and helps movement through the colon 1- 3
• Coffee may change our gut microbiota, increasing the number of ‘good bacteria’ 4-8
• Research supports the protective effects of coffee against certain liver diseases 9-23 and reduced risk of gallstones 24-31
19 January 2022: A new scientific review , published in Nutrients , highlights coffee’s effects on digestion and the gut, and its impact on organs involved in digestion. The review, supported by The Institute for Scientific Information on Coffee (ISIC) , finds that coffee has a stimulating effect on some digestive processes, and a possible protective effect against common digestive complaints such as gallstones 24-31 as well as certain liver diseases 9-23 .
The review of 194 research publications suggests that moderate coffee consumption (defined by EFSA as 3-5 cups per day 32 ) was not found to generate harmful effects on the various organs of the digestive tract. Two areas of particular interest emerging from the research are the association between coffee and a reduced risk of gallstones 24-31 and the evidence linking coffee consumption with a reduced risk of pancreatitis, although more research is still needed 33, 34 .
On its journey through the gastrointestinal tract, coffee has three main impacts:
The latest research also strongly supports the protective effect of coffee against liver diseases, including hepatocellular carcinoma 15 – one of the most common types of liver cancer.
Despite the evidence to suggest coffee consumption may support with the first stages of digestion, most data did not support the finding that coffee had a direct effect on gastro-oesophageal reflux 41 . Instead, this is a combined or additive effect of other risk factors such as obesity and a poor diet.
The new review, titled ‘ Effects of coffee on the gastro-intestinal tract: a narrative review and literature update’ was conducted by Astrid Nehlig, Ph.D., Emeritus Research Director at the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM).
Nehlig commented, “Contrary to some assumptions, coffee consumption is not overall linked to bowel or digestive problems. In some instances, coffee has a protective effect against common digestive complaints such as constipation. Emerging data also indicate there may be an association with improved levels of gut bacterial groups such as Bifidobacteria which have recognised beneficial effects. Although additional data will be needed to understand coffee’s effects throughout the digestive tract, this is an extremely encouraging place to begin.”
Readers interested in finding out more about coffee & health can visit: www.coffeeandhealth.org
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Notes to editors
Research leader for the report
About ISIC
The Institute for Scientific Information on Coffee (ISIC) is a not-for-profit organization, established in 1990 and devoted to the study and disclosure of science related to “coffee and health.” Since 2003 ISIC also supports a pan-European education programme, working in partnership with national coffee associations in nine countries to convey current scientific knowledge on “coffee and health” to healthcare professionals.
ISIC’s activities are focused on:
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 six of the major European coffee companies: illycaffè , Jacobs Douwe Egberts , Lavazza , Nestlé , Paulig and Tchibo .
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References
Nutrients
Literature review
People
Effects of Coffee on the Gastro-Intestinal Tract: A Narrative Review and Literature Update
17-Jan-2022
Supported by the Institute for Scientific Information on Coffee (ISIC)