Long-Term Coffee Consumption is Associated with Fecal Microbial Composition in Humans

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Nutritional Science
• Human Health

Background:

• Coffee consumption is linked to reduced non-transmissible diseases.
• Phytochemicals and minerals in coffee may influence health via gut microbiota modulation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the interplay between gut microbiota, fecal short-chain fatty acids, and health markers in relation to coffee intake.
• To explore the role of coffee's polyphenol and alkaloid content in these interactions.

Main Methods:

• 147 healthy subjects categorized by coffee consumption (non-, moderate, high).
• Gut microbiota composition analyzed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR).
• Fecal short-chain fatty acids measured by gas chromatography; serum biomarkers assessed via standardized methods.

Main Results:

• High coffee consumers exhibited increased levels of the Bacteroides-Prevotella-Porphyromonas group.
• Higher coffee intake correlated with lower lipoperoxidation levels.
• Coffee-derived methoxyphenols, alkylphenols, and caffeine were directly associated with Bacteroides group abundance.

Conclusions:

• Regular coffee consumption is associated with alterations in specific gut microbial groups.
• Dietary polyphenols and caffeine in coffee may play a significant role in modulating the gut microbiota.
• These findings suggest a potential mechanism for coffee's health benefits through gut microbiota interaction.