Caffeine consumption may improve thyroid function among people with metabolic disorders

Caffeine, a well-known stimulant found in coffee, tea, and various energy drinks, has been a subject of ongoing research for its potential health effects. A recent study published in BMC Nutrition Journal by Jiaping Zheng and colleagues delves into the intricate relationship between caffeine intake, thyroid function, and metabolic health, shedding light on its impact on individuals with various metabolic disorders.

Thyroid hormones play a crucial role in maintaining metabolic balance within the body. However, their connection with caffeine consumption has remained largely unexplored. This study, based on data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) conducted between 2007 and 2012, aimed to unravel the potential association between caffeine intake and thyroid function.

The research, conducted on a total of 2,582 participants, utilized a two-step cluster analysis to categorize individuals based on factors such as sex, age, body mass index (BMI), hyperglycemia, hypertension, and cardio-cerebral vascular disease (CVD). This classification resulted in the identification of three distinct subgroups, each exhibiting different metabolic characteristics.

In the subgroup characterized by a higher prevalence of metabolic issues, including advanced age, elevated BMI, and higher rates of hypertension, hyperglycemia, and CVD, the researchers observed a nonlinear relationship between caffeine intake and serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels.

● Upon meticulous analysis and accounting for various confounding factors, the study revealed intriguing findings.

● Caffeine intake below 9.97 mg per day was positively associated with serum TSH levels.

● However, it was the moderate caffeine consumers, those ingesting between 9.97 and 264.97 mg per day, who demonstrated a negative association between caffeine intake and serum TSH levels.

These results introduce a novel perspective on caffeine's impact on thyroid function and metabolic health, particularly in individuals dealing with various metabolic disorders. While the exact mechanisms behind these associations warrant further exploration, the study suggests that moderate caffeine consumption could potentially contribute to maintaining optimal thyroid function in these individuals.

It's important to note that this study contributes to a growing body of research that examines caffeine's multifaceted effects on health. As with any scientific investigation, these findings serve as a starting point for further research to delve deeper into the mechanisms at play and to validate the observed associations.

Reference:

Zheng, J., Zhu, X., Xu, G., Wang, X., Cao, M., Zhu, S., Huang, R., & Zhou, Y. (2023). Relationship between caffeine intake and thyroid function: results from NHANES 2007–2012. Nutrition Journal, 22(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12937-023-00866-5