Overview

• Several studies into gastrointestinal conditions such as dyspepsia^1-5, gastro oesophageal reflux disease^6-15, peptic ulcers^16,17, and gastritis¹⁷ suggests that coffee is not associated with the development of these disorders

• Research also suggests that coffee consumption does not worsen symptoms in those who suffer these conditions when confounding factors, such as body mass index (BMI) and smoking status, are controlled^1,7,9,12‍

• In the small intestine, studies suggest that coffee consumption does not increase the risk of duodenal ulcers^18,19 and has no effect on fluid balance in this location^20,21‍

• Research also suggests that there is no association between coffee consumption and disorders of the large intestine, such as diarrhoea^20-22, or irritable bowel syndrome^2,23,24‍

• Research on organs associated with the gastro intestinal tract suggests that coffee consumption is associated with a reduced risk of gallbladder disease^25-28, and with lower incidence and rates of progression of liver disease

• In its 2016 report, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) concluded that there is inadequate research to suggest any link between coffee consumption and cancer of the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, stomach, oesophagus, or colorectum³⁰. The review also suggests that coffee drinking is associated with a reduced occurrence of liver cancer³⁰

• Data reviewed by IARC also suggests that there is no association between coffee consumption and increased risk of pancreatic cancer³⁰. However, IARC classified beverages consumed at very high temperatures, defined as drinks over 65°C, as “probably carcinogenic to the human oesophagus”³⁰

The content in this overview was last edited in May 2018. Papers in the research section and further resources are added regularly.‍