Study Explores How Coffee Affects Gut Microbiome, Mood, and Inflammation

Mon, 04 May 2026 20:52:00 +0200

A recent study published in Nature Communications investigates how regular coffee consumption influences the gut-brain axis, revealing that its health effects extend well beyond caffeine. Researchers from APC Microbiome Ireland compared 31 habitual coffee drinkers with 31 non-drinkers and also examined the effects of temporarily stopping and then reintroducing coffee, including both caffeinated and decaffeinated versions. The findings highlight coffee as a complex dietary component that interacts with gut microbes, metabolism, and emotional well-being.

One of the key discoveries is that coffee alters the composition of the gut microbiome. Regular drinkers showed increased levels of certain bacteria, such as Eggerthella species and Cryptobacterium curtum, which are linked to digestive processes like acid secretion and bile acid production. These microbes may also help protect against harmful bacteria, suggesting a potential role in maintaining gut health.

The study also explored behav