Relationship between coffee consumption, oxidant status, and antioxidant potential in the Japanese general population.

BACKGROUND

Several previous studies have demonstrated an association between habitual coffee intake and reduced risk of diabetes, cardiovascular morbidity and total mortality. Although the cause and effect relationship could not be determined through epidemiological data, antioxidant properties of coffee ingredients are presumed.

METHODS

In the current study, by analyzing the data from 9877 subjects (mean age 59.2±10.4 years) who underwent general health screening, we evaluated the extent of in vivo oxidative stress by measuring derivatives of reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs) and biological antioxidant potential (BAP).

RESULTS

The mean levels of d-ROM and BAP were significantly lower in women than in men. By univariate analysis (ANOVA), coffee consumption showed a graded negative association with d-ROM value in men, but not in women. Coffee consumption was unrelated to BAP levels in men and women. Smoking was significantly associated with increased d-ROM and decreased BAP values in men. Multivariate-adjusted analysis showed that coffee intake of three or more cups per day was an independent negative correlate of d-ROM value in men. Sugar use was negatively associated with d-ROM and BAP values in women.

CONCLUSIONS

Among an essentially healthy population, coffee intake was negatively associated with d-ROMs in men, but not in women. Whether the favorable effect of coffee, if present, is related to lower oxidative stress levels needs further investigation.