Can coffee help gut health? New research points that way.

Research published in the Nature Microbiology Journal in 2024 suggests a compelling link between coffee consumption and gut health, specifically through its impact on the gut bacterium, Lawsonibacter asaccharolyticus, or L. asaccharolyticus.

How was the research on coffee and L. asaccharolyticus conducted?

The study analysed gut microbiome data from 22,867 participants across the United States and the United Kingdom, supplemented with public datasets encompassing 54,198 individuals from 211 cohorts worldwide.

What did the study reveal?

The study revealed a strong, consistent association between coffee consumption and the abundance of L. asaccharolyticus in the gut microbiome.

Coffee drinkers had significantly higher levels of this bacterium, with increases ranging from 4.5 to 8 times in high coffee consumers compared to non-drinkers.

This correlation was robust across diverse populations and remained independent of whether the coffee was caffeinated or decaffeinated.

This suggests that compounds other than caffeine, such as polyphenols like chlorogenic acid and quinic acid, may play a significant role in stimulating the growth of L. asaccharolyticus.

Furthermore, it revealed that coffee drinkers exhibited higher levels of specific metabolites, including quinic acid and trigonelline, which are closely linked to the presence of L. asaccharolyticus. Interestingly, the effects of coffee on the gut microbiome were largely independent of caffeine highlighting the role of other bioactive compounds in coffee rather than caffeine itself.

Why is L. asaccharolyticus important for gut health?

This study contributes to the growing body of evidence that coffee is more than just a morning pick-me-up; it actively shapes the gut microbiome.

The findings are particularly significant as they highlight L. asaccharolyticus is important for improved digestion and enhanced immune function.

So, by increasing the abundance of beneficial bacteria like L. asaccharolyticus, coffee may help support a healthier gut environment.

Coffee’s impact on the gut microbiome is not solely due to caffeine. Polyphenols such as chlorogenic acid and quinic acid, both abundant in coffee, are likely key contributors and are metabolised by gut bacteria into bioactive substances that confer additional health benefits.

While coffee’s impact on the microbiome is promising, moderation remains key. Excessive coffee consumption can have adverse effects, such as increased acidity or gastrointestinal discomfort. For most individuals, enjoying one to three cups a day is a safe and potentially beneficial way to support gut health.