Caffeine Consumption Not Associated With Chronic Kidney Disease, Study Finds

Recent research published in Scientific Reports suggests that caffeine consumption—particularly coffee and tea—may be associated with better renal function. The study investigators emphasized that caffeine intake may be one possible method of accessible, preventative methods for chronic kidney disease (CKD) onset or progression.^1,2

Image credit: yaisirichai | stock.adobe.com

CKD is a condition that leads to renal dysfunction and eventually progresses to end-stage kidney disease. Additionally, it is associated with other cardiometabolic conditions, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. CKD-related complications can lead to the acceleration of disease progression and an increased risk of cardiovascular-related morbidity. Multiple dietary or lifestyle factors (eg, smoking and alcohol use) are associated with the risk of CKD, meaning certain modifications can be made to potentially prevent disease onset or mitigate progression. Beverages, in particular, are intricately intertwined with the preservation of overall renal function and health, explained the study authors.¹

Although some sources argue that caffeine intake may cause certain health complications, others promote a positive association between consumption and the prevention of particular conditions. For example, the investigators reference prior epidemiologic studies that indicated coffee protected consumers against certain cardiometabolic conditions, such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Furthermore, a January 2025 study indicated that coffee and tea consumption was linked to a lower risk of head and neck cancers. These data are promising, wrote the authors, because as cases rise in low- and middle-income countries, accessible and affordable preventative approaches are necessary to lower the incidence of cancers and disease.^1,2

Interestingly, there is conflicting research that suggests positive associations between CKD risk and caffeine consumption; however, these were not deemed significant. Particularly, a meta-analysis suggested harmful effects on kidney health were possible. Because of these conflicting findings, the current study investigators conducted a cross-sectional study to assess the consumption of coffee, tea, and other caffeine with CKD and urine caffeine metabolites among US adults.¹

For this study, the investigators included data from 49,827 participants and their dietary intake through two 24-hour recalls to determine participants’ CKD statuses via the CKD–Epidemiology Collaboration. Specifically, the frequency of coffee consumption, tea consumption, total caffeine consumption, caffeine from coffee, and caffeine from tea were obtained and segmented into tertiles. Consumption of coffee and caffeine from coffee was divided into 3 categories: no consumption of coffee and caffeine from coffee (group 1; intake = 0) and consumption, which was divided into group 2 (< median) and group 3 (≥ median) based on participants’ median intakes (assessed by grams per day) among the “consumption” participants. Unlike consumption of coffee, intake of tea and caffeine from tea was categorized into 2 groups: either no consumption of tea and caffeine from tea (group 1; intake = 0) or consumption (group 2).¹

Among those enrolled, there were 8554 CKD diagnoses throughout the study’s duration. Notably, those who were diagnosed were more likely to be older, non-Hispanic Black individuals, women, and possess lower income than their healthy counterparts. Additionally, those who were diagnosed with CKD reported consuming a higher amount of coffee; however, their general caffeine and energy intake was lower.¹

Further, there was a significant inverse association between coffee consumption and CKD. In model 2, compared with those who reported no coffee consumption, those who reported consuming 0.01 to 352.5 grams per day exhibited an odds ratio (OR) of about 0.918 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.845–0.998; P = .044), whereas those who consumed more than 352.5 grams per day had an OR of 0.760 (95% CI: 0.701–0.823; P < .001). Similarly, the OR for CKD was 0.902 (95%CI: 0.868–0.938; P < .001).¹

In addition, the findings of the analyses, which were stratified by sex and age, exhibited consistent patterns, including a statistically significant association between coffee consumption and CKD in females (P interaction = 0.021). Furthermore, a stronger association between coffee consumption and CKD was found among participants over 60 years of age (P interaction = 0.001). The results remained stable after sensitivity analysis, said the authors.¹

“In conclusion, we found that tea, coffee or caffeine consumption was inversely associated with CKD, which may be attributed to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the bioactive substances of coffee and tea," the authors concluded. "Our study may unravel the effect of coffee and tea consumption on CKD development. Large-scale, prospective studies are warranted to further validate the protective effects of tea, coffee or caffeine consumption on CKD risk in adults."¹

REFERENCES

1. Gao P, Ji X, Wang W, et al. Association between coffee and caffeine consumption and chronic kidney disease. Sci Rep. 15, 25228. Published online 2025, July 12. doi:10.1038/s41598-025-11543-4

2. Gerlach A. Coffee and Tea Linked to Lower Risk of Head and Neck Cancers. Pharmacy Times. January 7, 2025. Accessed August 5, 2025. https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/coffee-and-tea-linked-to-lower-risk-of-head-and-neck-cancers