Fluid balance

Summary

• The study of the effect of coffee, and caffeine, on fluid balance is split into two areas: caffeine intake during exercise and caffeine intake at rest in the general population.

In normal life activities, caffeine consumption does not lead to dehydration, according to the latest research.

Studies conclude that during exercise, moderate caffeine consumption is beneficial for endurance performance and does not contribute to dehydration.

• Advice to abstain from drinking moderate amounts of caffeinated coffee in order to maintain adequate fluid balance is unfounded.

Coffee drinking in moderation contributes to our fluid intake and does not lead to dehydration. Black coffee contains more than 95% water.

While there may be a mild, short-term diuretic effect of caffeine, this effect is not strong enough to outweigh the benefits of fluid intake from coffee consumption.