A scientific study conducted by researchers from the University of Copenhagen in Denmark has revealed a link between regular coffee consumption and changes in gut bacteria composition and digestive system functions, including increased colonic contractions, in results that may contribute to understanding the impact of coffee on the digestion process and bowel movements.
The study showed that individuals who regularly consume coffee have greater diversity in the microorganisms present in their intestines compared to those who consume it less frequently, along with registering differences in several physiological functions of the digestive system.
To monitor these effects, the researchers used a small electronic capsule swallowed by the participants, designed to measure a range of indicators as it passed through the digestive tract, including transit time, temperature, acidity levels, and intestinal contractions.
The study included two groups, the first consisting of individuals who consume coffee regularly at a rate of one to five cups per day, while the second group included those who consume it less frequently.
The results showed a link between regular coffee consumption and increased diversity of gut bacteria, as well as lower acidity levels in the small intestine and higher colonic contractions with increased coffee consumption.
The principal researcher in the study, Francesca Bucchi, stated that the effect of coffee does not seem limited to changing the composition of gut bacteria, but extends to the physiology of the digestive system and how it operates, explaining that intestinal contractions play a crucial role in moving the contents of the digestive system and regulating the digestion process.
In contrast, the researchers were unable to determine whether the decrease in acidity levels in the small intestine has positive or negative effects on health, due to the importance of pH levels in digestive enzyme activity and food breakdown.
The research team emphasized that the results reveal a connection between coffee consumption and certain intestinal changes, but they do not prove that coffee is the direct cause of these changes.
The researchers noted that the next phase will include conducting an interventional study that controls the amounts of coffee consumed by participants and compares intestinal functions during consumption and abstention periods.
The researchers hope that these results will help clarify the mechanisms by which coffee affects the digestive system and understand its potential role in stimulating bowel movements and addressing constipation.