Regular coffee intake linked to changes in gut bacteria and intestinal function

A study conducted by researchers at the University of Copenhagen reports that regular coffee consumption is associated with alterations in both gut microbiota and intestinal physiology. The investigation involved Danish participants who swallowed a small electronic capsule that recorded transit time, temperature, pH levels and intestinal contractions as it moved through the gastrointestinal tract.

Participants were divided into frequent coffee drinkers – defined as consuming one to five cups a day on more than three of the eight study days – and those who drank coffee less often. The analysis confirmed earlier findings that coffee intake correlates with greater microbial diversity in the gut. In addition, frequent coffee drinkers exhibited a significantly lower pH in the small intestine and a higher frequency of colon contractions.

"But perhaps more importantly, frequent coffee consumption appears to affect the physiology of the gut itself, in other words how the gut functions," said Francesca Bucci, a PhD student and first author of the study.

"Contractions in the gut can support healthy digestion, help prevent constipation, and keep the intestinal muscles in good condition," Bucci added.

Senior author Henrik Munch Roager, an associate professor, noted that coffee is already known to influence digestive processes such as stomach acid secretion, suggesting the observed changes are unlikely to be coincidental. He indicated that future research should include controlled intervention trials to compare gut physiology during periods of high coffee intake with periods without coffee.

The researchers hope the findings could eventually inform natural strategies for stimulating gut motility, potentially benefiting the many individuals who experience constipation and irregular bowel movements. The study was published in the journal Gut Microbiology.