Association between dietary caffeine, coffee, and tea consumption and depressive symptoms in adults: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of observational studies

Abstract

BackgroundRecent studies have reported an association between dietary caffeine intake (coffee and tea) and the presence of depressive symptoms. However, the findings are not conclusive.PurposeThis study aimed to examine the correlation between the consumption of dietary caffeine (coffee and tea) and the presence of depressive symptoms in adults.MethodsPubMed and Scopus databases were searched until December 2021. Two investigators analyzed data from identified studies and rated the quality of the evidence using the GRADE approach. Using the random-effects models, we estimated the relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We also modeled the dose-response associations through a one-stage, weighted mixed-effects meta-analysis.ResultsA total of 29 eligible studies included a total of 422,586 participants. On comparing the highest with the lowest category in cohort studies, we identified an inverse association between the intake of coffee and depressive symptoms (RR: 0.89, 95%CI: 0.82–0.95; I2 = 63.7%, GRADE = low). There was a 4% reduction in the risk of depression associated with an increase in coffee intake of 240 ml/day (RR: 0.96, 95%CI: 0.95, 0.98; I2 = 22.7%). By comparing the highest category with the lowest category in cohort studies, we discovered that caffeine intake was inversely associated with depressive symptoms (RR: 0.86, 95%CI: 0.79, 0.93; I2 = 0.0%, GRADE = moderate). Based on our data analysis, no correlation exists between tea consumption and depressive symptoms.ConclusionAccording to our findings, coffee and dietary caffeine may have a protective effect against the development of depression. However, no evidence suggesting a link between tea consumption and reduced depressive symptoms has been found. Therefore, further longitudinal studies are needed to substantiate the causal relationship between coffee, tea, and caffeine and the risk of depression.

Caffeine intake and anxiety: a meta-analysis

“…For example: In a cross-sectional analysis conducted in Iran to examine the association between caffeine intake and symptoms of psychological disorders in adults, the trial demonstrated a significantly lower probability of experiencing anxiety symptoms with weekly or more coffee consumption compared with no coffee consumption, consistent with the findings of a prospective cohort study on the association between tea consumption and anxiety symptoms conducted in Singapore ( Chan et al, 2018 ; Nouri-Majd et al, 2022 ), while opposite conclusions were reached in a cross-sectional study investigating whether there is a correlation between caffeine intake and anxiety among college students at Florida State University, a randomized controlled trial of the effects of caffeine on mood performance among college student volunteers at the University of Bristol, and a cohort study using the resources of a UK Biobank ( Smith et al, 1999 ; Bertasi et al, 2021 ; Min et al, 2023 ). As previous individual studies may not have been of sufficient quality to obtain reliable data, there is still a lack of meta-analysis between caffeine intake and anxiety in healthy populations, although there have been some meta-analysis on the effects of caffeine and anxiety episodes in patients with panic attacks and on the relationship between caffeine intake and symptoms of depression ( Klevebrant and Frick, 2022 ; Torabynasab et al, 2023 ).…”

Diet strategies for promoting healthy aging and longevity: An epidemiological perspective

“…In addition, coffee consumption has been associated with a reduced risk of cognitive disorders [83] and Parkinson's disease [84]. Moreover, there is consistent evidence that coffee consumption is associated with a reduced risk of depression [85] and suicide [86]. The health benefits of coffee are likely due to various bioactive compounds including polyphenols, although caffeine—a central nervous system stimulant—also plays a role in improving cognitive function and reducing risk of neurodegenerative diseases.…”

Soft Drinks and Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety in Overweight Subjects: A Longitudinal Analysis of an European Cohort

“…Coffee and tea are the world’s major sources of dietary caffeine [ 13 ]. The literature shows an inverse association between coffee consumption and depressive symptoms [ 14 , 15 , 16 ].…”