This study investigates how regular coffee consumption influences the microbiota–gut–brain axis in healthy adults. By comparing habitual drinkers with non-drinkers and observing effects during caffeine abstinence and reintroduction, researchers found that coffee significantly alters gut microbial composition and metabolite profiles.
The findings suggest that coffee impacts host physiology and cognitive functions through both caffeine-dependent and caffeine-independent mechanisms.
- Significant shifts in fecal microbiome composition, specifically increasing species like Cryptobacterium and Eggerthella.
- Changes in neuroactive metabolites such as GABA and indole-3-propionic acid.
- Behavioral observations showing coffee drinkers exhibit higher impulsivity and emotional reactivity, while non-drinkers show better memory performance.
- Evidence that decaffeinated coffee can still influence gut microbiota and improve sleep quality and physical activity.
- The identification of specific metabolites that link microbial changes to cognitive outcomes.
A study examining the impact of gut microbiome modulation via prebiotic supplementation on muscle function and cognitive performance in older adults, finding no significant improvement in muscle function but a beneficial effect on cognition.