Coffee linked to slower biological aging in severe mental illness
Coffee linked to slower biological aging in people with severe mental illness.
Why it matters
- Coffee consumption (up to 4 cups/day) is linked to longer telomeres in people with severe mental illness.
- Longer telomeres suggest slower biological aging, comparable to being five years younger.
By the numbers
- Study involved 436 participants aged 18 to 65 with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depressive disorder with psychosis.
- 3-4 cups of coffee per day had the longest telomeres.
- More than 4 cups reduced this positive effect.
The big picture
- People with severe mental illness have shorter lifespans, partly due to accelerated aging.
- Coffee may help slow this process, but moderation is key.
What they're saying
- Some commenters question the focus on telomeres in this population.
- Others are curious about the funding source, which includes the Research Council of Norway.
Caveats
- Study didn't account for coffee type or caffeine concentration.
- Observational study, so it can't prove causation.
What’s next
- Further research planned to explore lifestyle factors and stress on telomere shortening.