COFFEE THE WONDER DRINK?

A new study suggests that drinking coffee may help you maintain muscle mass as you age. Published in Frontiers in Nutrition, the research indicates that regular coffee consumption is associated with 11%-13% higher muscle mass, potentially helping prevent sarcopenia, a condition that leads to muscle loss and weakness. Decaffeinated coffee, however, did not show a significant association with muscle mass.

Despite these findings, the association did not apply to everyone. For those with a body mass index (BMI) over 30, the link between coffee consumption and higher muscle mass was not observed, according to Dr. Luke Kim, a geriatrician at the Cleveland Clinic who was not involved in the study.

The study analyzed health data from over 8,300 U.S. adults collected between 2011 and 2018, with participants averaging around 40 years old. Muscle mass was assessed through bone density scans, and coffee intake was reported via self-administered questionnaires conducted twice during the study.

Although the study did not clarify why coffee might be associated with higher muscle mass, some experts suggest that the anti-inflammatory properties of caffeine could play a role. Dana Hunnes, a clinical dietitian at UCLA Health, points out that reducing inflammation might help preserve muscle mass by lowering the body’s “catabolic pathways,” where it breaks down its own muscle. Additionally, coffee may support autophagy, a process that recycles aging cells, according to sports nutritionist Heidi Skolnik.

However, coffee alone is unlikely to prevent sarcopenia. The study does not specify how much coffee is needed to achieve potential benefits, and Hunnes notes that drinking coffee for several years might be necessary to see significant effects. The study's reliance on self-reported coffee intake also introduces recall bias, which can affect accuracy.

In conclusion, while coffee may contribute to higher muscle mass as you age, maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a balanced diet remains crucial for preserving muscle health and preventing falls.