University College Cork study links coffee to gut-brain axis health

Researchers from APC Microbiome Ireland at University College Cork have published a study in Nature Communications detailing how regular, moderate coffee consumption positively impacts the gut-brain axis. Led by neurobiologist John Cryan, the research indicates that both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee promote beneficial biological transformations.

The study found that daily coffee intake significantly increases key digestive bacteria, such as Eggertella sp and Cryptobacterium curtum. These microorganisms assist in stomach acid secretion and bile acid synthesis, which helps strengthen natural defenses against gastrointestinal infections.

While both versions provide polyphenols and antioxidants that nourish gut microbiota, the study identified distinct benefits for each. Decaffeinated coffee was specifically noted for its ability to improve learning memory and optimize long-term information retention.