Researchers analysed data from 49,414 participants in the UK Biobank to investigate whether different types of coffee are linked to biological ageing.
In the study, published in the journal npj Science of Food, the researchers adjusted for factors including age, sex, smoking, body weight, physical activity, and existing medical conditions to reduce the influence of other variables.
Small differences
The results showed a difference between filtered coffee and instant coffee.
At the same time, the differences were relatively small, and the researchers concluded that they are likely to have limited significance for individuals.
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The study also found no clear association between biological ageing and other types of coffee.
The researchers further emphasise that unknown factors may still have influenced the results.
No evidence yet
The study cannot demonstrate that coffee directly affects ageing.
It only shows an association, meaning that further long-term studies are needed before the findings can be used to inform dietary recommendations.
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However, people who drank filtered coffee generally showed signs of slower biological ageing.
By contrast, participants who drank instant coffee more often showed signs of faster biological ageing. However, the researchers emphasise that there is no evidence that the type of coffee is the cause of this difference.
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