Reply Effects of Habitual Coffee Consumption on Vascular Function

We thank Dr. Siasos and colleagues for pointing out that habitual coffee consumption has been associated with improved endothelial function in elderly inhabitants of Ikaria Island (1). The improvement in endothelial function may in part account for the associations of moderate coffee intake (about 2 to 4 cups daily) with lower risks for coronary heart disease and stroke (2). Indeed, even in the setting of endothelium damage, coffee has the ability to prevent arterial thrombus formation, a benefit that is independent of its caffeine content (3). Recent studies also indicate that moderate daily coffee intake may confer protection against nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is present in approximately 30% of American adults (4,55). NAFLD is an independent risk factor for coronary atherosclerosis (6), and thus coffee's ability to mobilize fat from the liver may also contribute to its apparent protective effects against coronary heart disease. The strong tendency for regular coffee use to promote dependence, although problematic in some aspects (e.g., headache and malaise are common caffeine withdrawal symptoms), might also paradoxically contribute to coffee's health benefits by reinforcing daily consumption. Even so, chronic coffee intake may be best limited to no more than 4 cups daily to avoid potential adverse effects (7).

Source: Journal of the American College of Cardiology: Cardiovascular Interventions - February 10, 2014 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research