Coffee Consumption Linked to Reduced Dementia Risk, Debunking Old Myths
An abundance of research supports a positive association between caffeinated coffee consumption and dementia prevention. Conversely, no evidence links caffeinated coffee consumption to stunted growth—a long-held myth.
In the 1970s, a common belief was that coffee would hinder growth. This notion stemmed from concerns about caffeine’s impact on calcium absorption and bone health. However, current research disproves this claim, indicating that adequate calcium intake mitigates any potential adverse effects.
The origins of this myth can be traced back to the late 19th century with the introduction of Postum, a caffeine-free coffee alternative. Marketing campaigns for Postum actively warned parents about the supposed dangers of caffeinated coffee for children, contributing to the widespread belief that coffee stunted growth.
Coffee and Brain Health: Recent Findings
A prospective cohort study published in JAMA in February 2026, involving over 131,000 participants from the Nurses’ Health Study and the Health Professionals Follow-up Study, revealed a correlation between caffeinated coffee and tea consumption and a decreased risk of dementia . The lowest risk was observed in individuals consuming 2 to 3 cups of caffeinated coffee daily (approximately 300 mg of caffeine) compared to those who abstained from caffeine. The study noted that increasing coffee consumption beyond this amount did not yield further reductions in dementia risk.
This study aligns with a 2024 umbrella study analyzing pooled data from three meta-analyses, encompassing over 377,000 participants. This broader analysis also concluded that caffeine consumers exhibited a lower risk of dementia .
Debunking the Height Myth
Research consistently demonstrates no scientific link between caffeine consumption and stunted height. Earlier studies suggesting a negative impact on calcium absorption have been refuted by more recent findings, which indicate that sufficient calcium intake negates any potential adverse effects on bone health.
The claims made in historical advertisements for coffee alternatives like Postum lacked scientific basis.
Key Takeaways:
- An abundance of research supports a positive association between caffeinated coffee consumption and dementia prevention.
- No evidence links caffeinated coffee consumption to stunted growth.
Resa E. Lewiss, MD DipABLM, is a lifestyle medicine and emergency medicine physician and adjunct professor of emergency medicine at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University. She hosts The Visible Voices Podcast and is the co-author of MicroSkills: Small Actions, Big Impact. She can be reached via her website resaelewissmd.com.
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