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A recent study published in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition has shed light on the potential benefits of coffee and caffeine consumption for individuals with low muscle mass. Conducted by researchers in China, the study explored the relationship between coffee intake and skeletal muscle mass among adults in the United States, revealing a positive association between higher coffee consumption and increased muscle mass, particularly in non-obese individuals.
The Challenge of Sarcopenia
Sarcopenia, a chronic condition characterized by the loss of skeletal muscle mass and function, poses significant challenges, especially for older adults. The condition is associated with an increased risk of falls, fractures, and mortality, with muscle mass typically declining by 1–2% annually after the age of 50. In the U.S., sarcopenia affects up to 40% of those over 80 years old, highlighting the need for effective strategies to combat this age-related decline.
Coffee, a staple in the American diet, is rich in polyphenols and caffeine, compounds known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Previous studies have suggested that coffee might improve muscle mass and reduce the risk of sarcopenia, but much of this research has focused on Asian populations and involved small sample sizes. The present study aimed to fill this gap by investigating the relationship between coffee and caffeine intake and skeletal muscle mass in a large, diverse sample of U.S. adults.
Study Overview
The study utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) collected between 2011 and 2018, involving 8,333 adult participants aged 20 years and older. The researchers assessed skeletal muscle mass using appendicular skeletal muscle mass adjusted for body mass index (ASMBMI), a method considered accurate and reliable in the field. Coffee and caffeine intake were evaluated through two 24-hour dietary recall interviews, with intake categorized into quartiles.
The study’s comprehensive analysis included various demographic, dietary, and health-related factors, such as age, gender, BMI, physical activity, and the presence of chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension.
Key Findings
On average, participants consumed 162.10 mg of caffeine and 284.15 g of coffee daily, with caffeinated coffee accounting for the majority of coffee intake. The study found that participants with higher ASMBMI (quartile 4) also had higher average coffee and caffeine consumption than those with lower muscle mass (quartile 1).
Notably, higher coffee and caffeine intake were positively associated with increased ASMBMI. Specifically, participants in the highest coffee consumption group exhibited a 13% increase in ASMBMI compared to those in the lowest group. Similarly, caffeinated coffee and caffeine intake were linked to a 12% and 11% increase in ASMBMI, respectively. However, decaffeinated coffee did not show significant associations with muscle mass.
Interestingly, the positive relationship between coffee consumption and muscle mass was absent in individuals with a BMI of 30 kg/m² or higher, suggesting that obesity might influence the effects of coffee on muscle health.
Implications and Limitations
The study’s findings suggest that increasing coffee or caffeine intake could be a viable dietary strategy to support skeletal muscle mass and reduce the risk of muscle loss in adults, particularly those who are non-obese. The large, representative sample and robust analysis enhance the study’s credibility, providing valuable insights for personalized dietary guidance.
However, the study also has limitations, including its reliance on ASMBMI without assessing muscle strength and the potential for recall bias from dietary data. Additionally, the cross-sectional design prevents the establishment of causality, indicating the need for further research to confirm these findings.
Conclusion
This study highlights the potential role of coffee and caffeine as part of a dietary approach to support muscle health and combat sarcopenia. As researchers continue to explore the benefits of coffee, these findings may inform future dietary recommendations, particularly for individuals at risk of muscle mass decline.
Journal Reference:
Yin H. et al., “Association between coffee intake and skeletal muscle mass among U.S. adults: a population-based study,” Frontiers in Nutrition, 11 (2024), DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2024.1390309. Available at: Frontiers in Nutrition
