Coffee linked with reduced risk of Metabolic Syndrome

 A report published this year by the Federation of European Nutrition Societies (FENS) in Ireland entitled 'Coffee and Metabolic Syndrome: A review of the latest research' suggests coffee consumption is associated with reduced risk of Metabolic Syndrome.

What is Metabolic Syndrome (MetS)?

MetS is a combination of diabetes, high blood pressure (hypertension) and obesity. It puts you at greater risk of getting coronary heart disease, stroke and other conditions that affect the blood vessels - a condition which is estimated to affect more than one billion people across the globe.

How is coffee linked with reduced risk of of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS)?

This new report discusses the association between moderate coffee consumption (both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee) and a reduced risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and highlights the potential role of coffee consumption in reducing the risk of developing MetS.

How was the Study carried out?

• Assistant Professor Giuseppe Grosso reviewed his own scientific research on the association between coffee consumption and MetS in Polish and Italian cohorts
• The study explored the potential mechanistic perspectives behind the inverse association and suggests that polyphenols contained in coffee may be involved in the inverse association, specifically phenolic acids and flavonoids.
• Associate Professor Estefania Toledo reviewed meta-analyses considering associations between coffee consumption and MetS and discussed work in a Mediterranean cohort involving 22,000 people and specifically considered both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee.
• The study concluded that moderate coffee consumption (1-4 cups per day) was associated with reduced risk of MetS, whilst higher intakes were not, for both regular and decaffeinated coffee.

What were the main conclusions of the Study?

• The study suggests that drinking 1-4 cups of coffee per day is associated with a reduced risk of MetS in observational studies.
• Specific conditions of MetS - namely type 2 diabetes and hypertension - are also inversely associated with coffee consumption – for both men and women
• A moderate consumption of both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee may be associated with a reduced risk of metabolic syndrome.
• However, further research is required to better understand the mechanisms involved in the association, though the importance of polyphenols and hydroxycinnamic acids have been highlighted.

IMPORTANT: This information is intended to support, not replace, discussion with your doctor or healthcare professionals. Nothing in the content or products should be considered, or used as a substitute for, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You should always talk to your health care provider for diagnosis and treatment, including your specific medical needs.