Association between coffee or tea drinking and Barrett’s esophagus or esophagitis: an Italian study

Abstract

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Only a few papers have treated of the relationship between Barrett's esophagus (BE) or erosive esophagitis (E) and coffee or tea intake. We evaluated the role of these beverages in BE and E occurrence. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Patients with BE (339), E (462) and controls (619) were recruited. Data on coffee and tea and other individual characteristics were collected using a structured questionnaire. RESULTS: BE risk was higher in former coffee drinkers, irrespective of levels of exposure (cup per day; ⩽ 1: OR = 3.76, 95% CI 1.33-10.6; 41: OR = 3.79, 95% CI 1.31-11.0; test for linear trend (TLT) P = 0.006) and was higher with duration (430 years: OR = 4.18, 95% CI 1.43-12.3; TLT P = 0.004) and for late quitters, respectively (⩽3 years from cessation: OR = 5.95, 95% CI 2.19-16.2; TLT P o 0.001). The risk of BE was also higher in subjects who started drinking coffee later (age 418 years: OR = 6.10, 95% CI 2.15-17.3). No association was found in current drinkers, but for an increased risk of E in light drinkers (o 1 cup per day OR = 1.85, 95% CI 1.00-3.43). A discernible risk reduction of E (about 20%, not significant) and BE (about 30%, P o 0.05) was observed in tea drinkers. CONCLUSIONS: Our data were suggestive of a reduced risk of BE and E with tea intake. An adverse effect of coffee was found among BE patients who had stopped drinking coffee. Coffee or tea intakes could be indicative of other lifestyle habits with protective or adverse impact on esophageal mucosa.

Association between tea consumption and gastroesophageal reflux disease

“…However, some recent studies reported that frequent tea drinking might association with the risk of GERD. Chang et al [12] conducted a cross-sectional study to evaluate the effect of regular tea drinking on asymptomatic erosive esophagitis. They found that the risk of asymptomatic erosive esophagitis was greater in those drinking tea than nondrinkers.…”

“…They found that the risk of asymptomatic erosive esophagitis was greater in those drinking tea than nondrinkers. [13] Another study performed by Filiberti et al [12] suggested that tea consumption could be protective factor for Barrett's esophagus or esophagitis. However, this is a case–control study based on limited subjects.…”

Prevalence and risk factors for Barrett’s esophagus in Taiwan

“…No association between risk of BE and consumption of coffee or tea was found by Sajja et al[35]. An Italian study conducted by Filiberti et al[36] revealed that tea intake reduced the risk of BE and reflux esophagitis. A double-blind study performed by Pehl et al[37] compared the impact of regular and decaffeinated coffee on esophageal acidity in terms of esophageal pH measurements, and reported that the fraction of time for which esophageal pH was less than 4 was reduced in the decaffeinated coffee-consuming group potentially via a reduction in esophageal reflux.…”

Fluid Intake and Beverage Consumption Description and Their Association with Dietary Vitamins and Antioxidant Compounds in Italian Adults from the Mediterranean Healthy Eating, Aging and Lifestyles (MEAL) Study

“…Coffee drinking has been associated with positive health outcomes [ 44 ]. Regarding espresso coffee, despite it being reported to provide an important antioxidant capacity within the context of a common diet [ 45 , 46 ], results regarding its effects on health are varied, ranging from positive [ 47 , 48 , 49 ] to negative [ 50 , 51 , 52 ]. In general, scientific literature on espresso coffee is scarce, and further research is needed to test the impact of this beverage on human health.…”