Coffee. Facts and controversies.

Full Abstract

In this article, we review current literature on coffee, both regular and decaffeinated, and its potential effects in humans. Moderate coffee consumption is believed to have no persistent effect on blood pressure. Large intake of coffee may increase total cholesterol levels; boiled coffee increases cholesterol levels more than filtered coffee. Consuming more than four cups per day may be associated with increased risk of acute myocardial infarction. There appears to be an association between urinary bladder cancer and coffee consumption. No association was found between ingestion of coffee and incidence of duodenal ulcer and ulcerative colitis. Increased coffee consumption by pregnant women appears to decrease fetal birth weight. Fetal heart rate, respiration, and both maternal and fetal anemia are increased with coffee consumption but coffee has not been shown to be teratogenic. Coffee consumption appears to pose no particular threat in most people if consumed in moderation. Naturally decaffeinated, filter-brewed coffee further diminishes its potential harmful effects.

Author information

Author/s: Etherton, G M (GM); Kochar, M S (MS);

Affiliation: Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee.

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Review

Journal: Archives of family medicine (Arch Fam Med), published in UNITED STATES. (Language: eng)

Reference: 1993-Mar; vol 2 (issue 3) : pp 317-22

Dates: Created 1994/01/13; Completed 1994/01/13; Revised 2007/11/15;

PMID: 8252153, status: MEDLINE (last retrieved date: 2/18/2009)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

Comments and Corrections

CommentIn: Arch Fam Med. 1993 Jul;2(7):700. (PMID: 8111493)

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