Coffee Consumption’s Association with a Lower Risk of Incident CKD

While many people consider coffee to be the best part of waking up, studies suggest that it may be an excellent addition to one’s diet as well. According to one study, conducted by the National Kidney Foundation, coffee consumption has been linked to a reduced risk for an array of ailments, disorders, and diseases. The following is an overview of the results of this study.

The Details of the Study

Using data from a study conducted on members of the community-based Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC), the goal of this study was to assess what role various levels of coffee consumption play in the risk of developing chronic kidney disorder (CKD). Using a populace of 15,792 middle-aged men and women, the participants consented to provide information with regards to their food and coffee consumption over several years.

In particular, coffee consumption was tracked using a 66-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). The questions were administered in person over the course of four visits between the years of 1987-1995. Once asked how many cups of coffee they drank per week, the stats were broken down into weekly coffee consumption. From there, the researchers were able to use this data in addition to the subjects medical histories in order to assess the overall correlation.

Results of the Study

Once the study had been completed, it was found that 3,845 (27%) of participants developed CKD. With a fair level of consistency, it was found that higher levels of coffee consumption were associated with a lower risk of incident CKD. As compared to those who never consumed coffee at all, those who consumed coffee fairly regularly to moderately were approximately 10% to 16% less likely to develop CKD.

Furthermore, it was also found that participants were 3% less likely to develop CKD for every cup of coffee consumed each day. In other words, the more cups of coffee participants consumed, the least likely they were to develop CKD, according to the study. Moreover, compared to those who never consumed coffee at all, participants were 11% less likely to develop CKD. Additionally, although 2% of participants developed ESRD (End Stage Renal Disease) by the time they checked in for the 25-year follow-up, coffee consumption played no significant role one way or another.

Strengths and Weaknesses of the Study

On the one hand, this study used a large population, which makes for a more accurate outcome. Furthermore, they also used average coffee consumption levels (1-3 cups daily) where applicable. Also, the study had well-measured outcomes for both advanced kidney disease (ESRD) and CKD and researchers also conducted sensitivity analyses for both outcomes.

On the other hand, the self-reporting of the data for this study was one of its most problematic elements. Although most participants likely did their best to be honest about their coffee consumption, it can be assumed that many errors were made with regards to reporting. Moreover, it is unknown if whether those who did not consume coffee developed CKD as the result of other fluids (i.e. soda or tea). Therefore, there are many questions that this study is unable to definitively answer.

Conclusion

Overall, this study provides some solid evidence with regards to the correlation between coffee consumption and a lesser risk of developing CKD, ESRD, and other kidney issues. However, more research needs to be conducted to assess just what role coffee consumption plays in overall kidney health.