Coffee intake is associated with telomere length in severe mental disorders

This cross-sectional study examines the association between coffee consumption and telomere length (TL) among 436 participants diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (n=259) and affective disorders (n=177) from the Norwegian TOP study. Telomere length, a biomarker of cellular ageing, was assessed in leucocytes through quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Participants self-reported their coffee intake categorized as no coffee, 1–2 cups, 3–4 cups, and 5 or more cups.

The findings indicate an inverted J-shaped relationship between TL and coffee consumption, with TL peaking at 3–4 cups per day and subsequently declining after 4 cups (F=3.29, p=0.02). Notably, the most significant difference in TL was observed between individuals consuming the highest recommended dose of coffee (4 cups) and non-drinkers (F=6.13, p=0.01). Coffee drinkers adhering to the recommended daily intake exhibited telomere lengths equivalent to a biological age that is approximately 5 years younger, after adjusting for potential confounders.

In conclusion, moderate coffee intake within the recommended guidelines is associated with longer telomeres in individuals with severe mental disorders, suggesting a potential protective effect against biological ageing. [NPID: telomere, coffee, schizophrenia, affective disorder, mental disorder]

Year: 2025

Reference: Mlakar, V., Di Forti, M., Halff, E., Srivastava, D., Akkouh, I., Djurovic, S., Martin-Ruiz, C., Quintana, D., Birkenaes, V., Steen, N., Ormerod, M., Andreassen, O., & Aas, M. (2025). Coffee intake is associated with telomere length in severe mental disorders. BMJ Mental Health. 28:e301700. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjment-2025-301700

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