FRESH evidence indicates that moderate coffee consumption could help slow biological ageing in people with severe mental illness, with 3 to 4 cups a day linked to telomere lengths equivalent to five younger biological years.
Coffee Intake and Biological Ageing in Severe Mental Disorders
Interest in biological ageing among people with major psychiatric conditions has grown as research increasingly shows that disorders such as schizophrenia, psychosis, and bipolar disorder may accelerate cellular ageing. Telomeres, which cap the ends of chromosomes, naturally shorten over time but appear to do so more rapidly in these groups. Because telomeres are sensitive to environmental factors, including diet, the potential protective effects of moderate coffee intake have prompted scientists to explore whether this everyday beverage could counteract accelerated ageing in vulnerable populations.
Study Methods and Telomere Findings in Mental Health
The investigation examined whether coffee consumption influenced telomere length among 436 adults from the Norwegian TOP study, including 259 with schizophrenia and 177 with affective disorders. Participants reported their daily coffee intake and fell into four groups: zero (44), 1 to 2 cups, 3 to 4 cups (110), and 5 or more cups. Smoking history was also recorded, with 77 percent (337) reporting an average of nine years of smoking. Telomere length, measured from leukocytes extracted from blood samples, showed a significant J shaped pattern across the four coffee intake groups. Compared with people who drank no coffee, those consuming up to 3 to 4 cups daily had longer telomeres, while no benefit appeared in participants drinking 5 or more cups. Those drinking four cups had telomere lengths comparable to a biological ageing profile five years younger than non-drinkers, even after adjusting for age, sex, ethnicity, tobacco use, mental health diagnosis, and medication. Excessive consumption, however, may contribute to telomere shortening due to reactive oxygen species.
Clinical Implications and Future Considerations
For clinicians, the findings suggest that discussing moderate coffee intake may be a useful addition to lifestyle guidance for people with severe mental disorders who face elevated risks of accelerated biological ageing. While causal conclusions cannot be drawn from observational data, the results highlight the need for further research into dietary strategies that might help preserve cellular health.
Reference
Mlakar V et al. Coffee intake is associated with telomere length in severe mental disorders. BMJ Mental Health. 2025;28:e301700.
