Coffee consumption and all-cause and cause-specific mortality: a meta-analysis by potential modifiers

Area of Science:

• Epidemiology
• Nutritional Science
• Public Health

Background:

• Previous studies suggest coffee consumption may decrease mortality.
• Factors like aging, obesity, and lifestyle influence mortality risk.
• Examining coffee's association with mortality across diverse populations is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantitatively assess the association between coffee consumption and all-cause and cause-specific mortality.
• To conduct an updated meta-analysis with stratified analyses by potential modifiers.
• To explore dose-response relationships, including non-linear associations.

Main Methods:

• Searched PubMed and Web of Science databases through March 8, 2019.
• Conducted a meta-analysis of 40 studies with over 3.8 million subjects.
• Performed linear and non-linear dose-response analyses, including stratified analyses.

Main Results:

• Non-linear inverse associations were found between coffee intake and mortality from all causes, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and cancers.
• Lowest relative risks were observed at 3.5 cups/day for all-cause mortality, 2.5 cups/day for CVD mortality, and 2 cups/day for cancer mortality.
• The inverse association was consistent across age, weight status, alcohol consumption, smoking, and coffee caffeine content, with stronger effects observed in Europe and Asia compared to the US.

Conclusions:

• Moderate coffee consumption (2-4 cups/day) is associated with reduced all-cause and cause-specific mortality.
• The inverse association between coffee and mortality is robust across various demographic and lifestyle factors.
• Optimal coffee intake levels exist for reducing mortality risks from various causes.