Coffee may be linked to lower risk of stress-related conditions at moderate intake.

A large observational study of 461,586 people using UK Biobank data found that drinking about 2–3 cups of coffee per day was associated with the lowest observed risk of developing anxiety or depression over a median 13.4 years; drinking five or more cups was linked to an increased risk.

New research reports a link between moderate coffee drinking and lower rates of stress-related mental health conditions. The study used UK Biobank data and followed 461,586 people who were free of mental health conditions at the start. Participants' coffee intake was recorded at baseline and they were tracked for a median of 13.4 years. The analysis explored how different levels of coffee consumption related to later development of anxiety and depression. Key findings: - The analysis showed a J-shaped association between coffee intake and later risk of anxiety and depression. - Drinking about 2 to 3 cups per day was associated with the lowest observed likelihood of developing these conditions, compared with not drinking coffee or drinking more than three cups. - Consumption of five or more cups per day was linked with an increased risk of mental disorders in the study. - The association was reported as consistent across ground, instant, and decaffeinated coffee. - A genetic analysis looking at caffeine-processing differences did not materially change the observed associations. - The study authors and independent commentators emphasized that the findings show association, not proof of cause and effect. Summary: The study reports a J-shaped relationship in which moderate coffee intake (about 2–3 cups daily) was associated with the lowest observed risk of later anxiety and depression, while higher intake showed diminishing or adverse associations. The authors underline that the analysis is observational and does not establish causation. Further research is needed to clarify underlying mechanisms and to test causality.