Health · Medical Research · 9 hrs ago
Study links regular coffee drinking to more diverse gut bacteria
A study involving more than 22,000 people in 25 countries found that regular coffee drinkers had more diverse gut bacteria than people who did not drink coffee.
Researchers linked coffee consumption to more than 100 bacterial species, and found Lawsonibacter asaccharolyticus was six to eight times more common among regular coffee drinkers.
The same pattern appeared among people who drank decaffeinated coffee, suggesting caffeine may not be the main factor.
Tim Spector, an epidemiologist who studies the gut microbiome, says coffee’s plant compounds called polyphenols may interact with gut microbes.
Those microbes can turn the compounds into substances associated in other research with better metabolic health, but the findings do not prove coffee causes these effects.
Coffee may fit into a balanced diet, but moderation is advised, especially for people sensitive to caffeine or with certain health conditions.
A study involving more than 22,000 people in 25 countries linked habitual coffee drinking with greater diversity in gut bacteria.
Researchers identified more than 100 bacterial species associated with coffee consumption.
The bacterium Lawsonibacter asaccharolyticus was six to eight times more prevalent among habitual coffee drinkers.
The same pattern appeared among people drinking decaffeinated coffee, suggesting caffeine may not explain the association.
Tim Spector said coffee drinkers have a more diverse gut microbiome than non-drinkers.
- Who
- More than 22,000 study participants across 25 countries; Tim Spector discussed the findings.
- What
- A study linked habitual coffee drinking with more diverse gut bacteria and higher levels of some bacteria.
- When
- The study’s date is not stated. Articles about the findings were published on October 14, 2026.
- Where
- The study included participants from 25 countries; the countries are not named.
- Why
- Researchers suggested coffee compounds, especially polyphenols, may interact with gut microbes. The sources do not establish that this causes health benefits.
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- Study participants
- More than 22,000
- Countries represented
- 25
- Bacterial species associated with coffee
- More than 100
- Lawsonibacter asaccharolyticus
- Six to eight times more prevalent among habitual coffee drinkers
- Articles published
- October 14, 2026
2 sources
Tim Spector, especialista en microbiota intestinal: "Los bebedores de café tienen un microbioma intestinal más diverso que los no bebedores de café"
Tim Spector, experto en microbiota, sobre las personas que beben café: "Los bebedores de café tienen un microbioma intestinal más rico que los no bebedores"
What people are saying
Coffee drinkers have a more diverse gut microbiome than non-coffee drinkers