A new scientific study suggests that moderate coffee consumption might slow down biological aging in people living with severe mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and psychotic depression. The research, published in the BMJ Mental Health journal, found that people with these conditions who drink 3–4 cups of coffee a day tend to have longer telomeres—a key marker of cellular age—than those who don’t drink coffee.
🧬 What the Study Found
- Telomeres are protective caps at the ends of chromosomes that shorten as we age; longer telomeres are associated with a younger biological age
- The study looked at 436 adults diagnosed with severe mental health conditions.
- Participants who consumed up to four cups of coffee daily showed longer telomeres, roughly equivalent to being about five years biologically younger compared with non-coffee drinkers.
- Drinking more than four cups per day did not show the same benefit and may even be linked to increased cellular stress, aligning with general health guidance on caffeine limits
This pattern follows an “inverted J-curve”, where moderate intake appears beneficial, but very high intake offers no added advantage
🧠 Why Coffee Might Have This Effect
Researchers think coffee’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds could help protect cells from oxidative stress, a process linked to accelerated aging. Oxidative stress and inflammation are also more common in people with severe mental illness, which may contribute to faster biological aging.
However, the study — while compelling — is observational, meaning it shows an association but does not prove that coffee causes slower aging. Researchers also pointed out limitations such as self-reported coffee intake and lack of detail about coffee type or exact caffeine content.
☕ How Much Coffee Is “Moderate”?
The study and several health authorities, including the NHS and the U.S. FDA, refer to about four cups per day (roughly up to 400 mg of caffeine) as a moderate intake level. Drinking within this range was where the benefits were observed in the study.
Beyond this amount, any potential anti-aging effect disappeared, and excessive caffeine might even contribute to cellular stress or health issues.
🔬 What This Means
People with severe psychiatric disorders often experience accelerated biological aging and have higher rates of age-related diseases such as heart disease and cancer. This new study suggests that a simple and widely accessible habit like moderate coffee drinking might contribute to improved cellular health in this group. However, experts caution that this does not replace medical advice or treatment, and more research is needed to confirm the findings. The Financial Express
If you or someone you know is affected by severe mental illness, it’s always best to discuss dietary or lifestyle changes — including coffee consumption — with a healthcare provider first.
