Coffee consumption is not related to the metabolic syndrome at the age of 36 years: the Amsterdam Growth and Health Longitudinal Study

Background/Objectives: Coffee consumption has been postulated to decrease the risk of diabetes mellitus type II. The long-term effects of coffee consumption on the metabolic syndrome (MS) and its components are unknown. This study investigated the relationship of long-term coffee consumption between the age of 27 and 36 years with the prevalence of the MS at the age of 36 years. Subject/Methods: Data on coffee consumption and the MS components were derived from a healthy sample of 174 men and 194 women followed up from the age of 27 years onwards. Data analysis was performed with the use of generalized estimating equations and regression analysis. Results: At the age of 36 years, the prevalence of the MS was 10.1%. The growth of coffee consumption did not differ significantly between subjects with or without the MS or its components. Regression analyses showed that one cup day(-1) higher coffee consumption was related to 0.11 mmHg lower mean arterial blood pressure (P = 0.03), 0.02 mg 100 ml(-1) higher triglyceride level (P = 0.57), 0.04 mg 100 ml(-1) higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level (P = 0.35), 0.09% higher HbA(1c) (P = 0.12) and 0.02 cm larger waist circumference (P = 0.57). After adjustment for physical activity, energy intake, smoking behaviour and alcohol consumption, none of the relationships between coffee consumption and the MS or its components was significant. Conclusions: Coffee consumption is not associated with the MS or its components in a healthy sample followed up for 9 years. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2009) 63, 536-542; doi: 10.1038/ejcn.2008.6; published online 13 February 2008