Topic analysis

Habitual coffee intake shapes the microbiome, modifies physiology and cognition

A 2026 Nature Communications study investigated coffee's effects on the microbiota-gut-brain axis in healthy participants, finding habitual coffee drinkers have distinct fecal microbiome profiles (elevated Cryptobacterium and Eggerthella species), altered gut metabolites, and cognitive differences including greater impulsivity and reduced memory compared to non-drinkers. Some metabolome changes are reversible with coffee abstinence, and reintroduction triggers acute microbiome shifts independent of caffeine, with key metabolites linked to microbial species and cognitive measures.