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coffee reduce ms riskThere is some encouraging news for coffee drinkers – results from two research studies have revealed a possible link between coffee consumption and a reduced risk for multiple sclerosis (MS). MS is an inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that impairs communication between the brain and the rest of the body. Approximately 400,000 people in the US have MS, with roughly 10,000 new diagnoses each year.

The studies, based in Sweden and the US, utilized information provided about daily coffee intake levels in participants with and without the disease. The researchers then estimated daily amounts of coffee consumption at and before the onset of MS symptoms in those with the disease, and compared the results with healthy participant groups (without MS). What they discovered was that the participants without MS who drank up to six cups of coffee a day at least 5 years before and at the onset of symptoms had a 31% lower risk of developing the disorder. Additionally, both studies concluded that there was a consistently higher risk of MS among those who drank fewer cups of coffee. Since this was an observational study, however, a causative link was not able to be confirmed.

Still, even though there isn’t yet enough data to confirm that coffee drinking prevents MS, this new research contributes to the growing body of evidence that coffee is good for our health. Caffeine, one of over a thousand biologically active compounds in coffee, exerts neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties. Previous studies have associated higher levels of coffee intake with lower rates of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

 

Interested in learning more about multiple sclerosis research? Please call 561-296-3820. The Premiere Research Institute in West Palm Beach regularly conducts clinical research studies in the field of MS. To find out more about these studies click here or sign up for their newsletter to keep informed about the newest treatments, articles, and research that are being conducted in the field of MS.

References:

Brazier, Yvette. “Drinking More Coffee May Stave off Multiple Sclerosis.” Medical News Today. MediLexicon International, 4 Mar. 2016. Web. 29 May 2016. <http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/307370.php>.

High consumption of coffee is associated with decreased multiple sclerosis risk: results from two independent studies, Anna Hedström et al., Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry, doi 10.1136/jnnp-2015-312176, published 3 March 2016.