A recent study suggests that a daily intake of moderate caffeine, roughly three cups of coffee or tea, may lower the risk of developing cardiometabolic multimorbidity (CM), which includes diseases like coronary heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. Dr. Chaofu Ke, the study’s lead author from Soochow University in China, noted that caffeine consumption could offer significant protection throughout various stages of CM development.
The research analyzed data from approximately 180,000 individuals in the UK Biobank, all of whom were free of cardiometabolic diseases at the start. Participants reported their caffeine intake, and researchers tracked their health outcomes using medical records. The findings indicated that those who consumed three cups of coffee daily had a 48.1% reduced risk of developing CM, while those consuming 200 to 300 milligrams of caffeine daily saw a 40.7% reduction compared to non-drinkers.
Dr. Gregory Marcus from the University of California, San Francisco, praised the study’s robust methodology but cautioned that while the data suggest a link between caffeine and improved heart health, it does not establish causation. He emphasized the importance of considering other lifestyle factors that could influence these results.
The study did not assess caffeine from sources like energy drinks or soda, leaving questions about their effects unanswered. While existing literature supports some benefits of caffeine, Marcus advised moderation, warning that excessive intake, especially from energy drinks, may lead to health risks, including heart rhythm issues.
