Coffee unexpectedly helps with schizophrenia - scientists" discovery

Scientific discovery: moderate coffee consumption may slow aging in people with mental disorders thanks to its effect on telomeres - key markers of age-related changes in cells. This is the revolutionary conclusion of researchers from the prestigious King's College London.

As reported by TUT.AZ, the results of this breakthrough study were presented in the authoritative scientific journal BMJ Mental Health.

The study covered 436 adult participants, including 259 people with schizophrenia and 177 with affective disorders with psychotic manifestations. All volunteers were asked to detail their coffee consumption habits and share information about smoking, if applicable.

Preliminary data revealed that the vast majority (77%) of participants were smokers, which significantly accelerated caffeine metabolism in the body. Notably, among smokers there were more individuals who consumed over five cups of coffee daily.

To assess age-related changes, scientists measured the length of telomeres in leukocytes - white blood cells that are easily isolated from blood samples. The results showed a J-shaped relationship: the longest telomeres were found in those who regularly drank three to four cups of coffee per day. Fans of one to two cups or those who completely avoided coffee did not demonstrate such a positive effect, while excessive consumption (five or more cups) was associated with telomere shortening.

According to specialists' calculations, the biological age of those in the moderate consumption group was approximately five years less, taking into account factors such as age, gender, ethnicity, smoking status, diagnosis, and ongoing treatment. Scientists attribute this phenomenon to the presence of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory components in coffee, which reduce oxidative stress and inflammation - processes that accelerate telomere shortening.

The researchers particularly note that exceeding the recommended daily dose of caffeine may have the opposite effect, enhancing cell damage and causing telomere reduction due to the formation of reactive oxygen species. Leading international health organizations strongly recommend limiting daily caffeine consumption to 400 mg, equivalent to approximately four cups of coffee.