A new study published in BMJ Mental Health reveals that consuming three to four cups of coffee daily could make the cells of individuals with serious mental illnesses—such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or psychotic depression—biologically younger by up to five years. The research suggests coffee may help slow premature cellular aging in this vulnerable population.
The study focused on 436 adults and measured telomere length, the protective caps on chromosomes that shorten with age. People with severe mental illness often show accelerated telomere shortening, reflecting a biological age up to 15 years older than the general population. Researchers found an “inverted J” pattern: telomeres lengthened with coffee intake, peaking at three to four cups daily, but shortened again with higher consumption.
Lead author Dr. Monica Aas of King’s College London cautioned that the results do not prove causation. Factors like self-reported coffee intake, type of coffee, and other dietary or lifestyle variables were not fully controlled. Still, the consistent benefit across genders and diagnoses highlights a potential protective effect of moderate coffee consumption.
Experts also warn against overindulgence. Beyond four cups per day, telomere length declined, and excessive caffeine intake can disrupt sleep and raise physiological stress. Researchers urge mindful consumption while exploring coffee’s many bioactive compounds for potential health benefits, including narrowing the life expectancy gap for people with severe mental illness.
For now, the findings are intriguing but preliminary, pointing to the need for long-term studies to confirm coffee’s effect on cellular aging.
