Coffee consumption linked to gut microbiota and cognitive changes

A study published in Nature Communications by researchers from University College Cork and the University of Parma suggests that coffee consumption influences gut microbiota, mood, and cognitive focus through mechanisms beyond caffeine.

The prospective study followed 62 adults between September 2021 and January 2023. Researchers observed changes in the proportions of specific bacterial species, such as Veillonella, depending on coffee intake. Notably, these intestinal changes occurred with both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee, suggesting that compounds like chlorogenic acid—a phenolic acid—play a significant role by feeding specific bacteria in the colon.

In addition to microbial shifts, the study noted changes in bacterial metabolites like indole-3-propionic acid (IPA), indole-3-carboxaldehyde (ICA), and GABA, which facilitate communication between the gut and the nervous system. Professor John Cryan, a lead author and neurobiologist, noted that coffee acts as a complex food factor interacting with microbes, metabolism, and emotional well-being. The findings suggest that decaffeinated coffee may offer cognitive benefits without the sleep disruption associated with caffeine.