Coffee and Microbiota: A Narrative Review

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Human Health
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Coffee is a globally popular beverage with significant health implications due to its bioactive compounds.
• The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in overall health, and its disruption (dysbiosis) is linked to various diseases.
• Understanding the gut microbiota is vital for developing novel therapeutic approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between coffee consumption and its effects on the gut microbiota.
• To explore the consequences of these changes on human health.
• To synthesize current evidence on coffee, gut microbiota, and health outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A narrative review of significant scientific articles was conducted.
• Studies included human and animal models examining coffee's impact on the gut microbiome.
• Literature was selected to elucidate the latest evidence on the topic.

Main Results:

• Coffee consumption is associated with alterations in the gut microbiota's composition.
• These changes suggest a link between coffee intake and gut health.
• The precise mechanisms and full health repercussions require additional investigation.

Conclusions:

• Coffee consumption demonstrably influences the gut microbiota.
• The findings highlight the importance of the gut microbiome in mediating coffee's health effects.
• Further comprehensive research is essential to fully elucidate this complex relationship and its systemic consequences.