Scientists from Erasmus University Medical Center have found that coffee does not harm the kidneys of healthy and young people, but can increase the filtration rate in the kidneys in the presence of risk factors. The research was published in the journal Clinical Nutrition.
The scientists used data from the Rotterdam Study, which began between 1989 and 1993. In the following years, two more groups of participants joined the study, with a total of approximately 15,000 participants.
The average daily coffee consumption was three cups, and 4% of people did not drink coffee. Men were more likely to drink large amounts of coffee. Also, coffee drinkers were more likely to smoke, consume more alcohol and consume more calories.
Overall, coffee consumption did not affect the kidney filtration rate for healthy men and women. Additionally, each cup of coffee reduced the risk of decreased kidney function, although this effect was not statistically significant and needs to be retested in future studies. Among those at higher risk of developing chronic kidney disease (over 70 years of age, diabetic or obese), the filtration rate was slightly higher with coffee consumption.