Solution coffee

This myth is not entirely true

In fact, studies from the past decades show that coffee has significant effects our urinary sodium and potassium excretion [1], as well as hemodynamic and humoral effects [2]. 

A recent study from 2016 shows that low to moderate coffee consumption does not negatively impact our kidneys' filtration rate and thus does not deyhdrate our body [4]. Furthermore, caffeine in relation to physical activity decreases urine excretion [5]. Coffe is also thought to be similarly hydrating as water [6]. According to Maughan et al. three conclusion can be drawn from previous studies which investigated caffeine and the desire to void one's bladder [7]. Firstly, an increased consumption is associated with an acute diuretic effect [7]. Secondly, small doses of caffeine have little to no diuretic effect [7]. And thirdly, when consuming coffee regularly we get accustomed to the effects of caffeine and thus its effects are reduced [1]. 

Back to myth overview

Sources:

[1] Passmore AP, Kondowe GB, Johnston GD. Renal and cardiovascular effects of caffeine: a doseresponse
study. Clin Sci (Lond). 1987;72(6):749-56.
[2] Robertson D, Frölich JC, Carr RK, Watson JT, Hollifield JW, Shand DG, et al. Effects of caffeine on
plasma renin activity, catecholamines and blood pressure. N Engl J Med. 1978;298(4):181-6.
[3] Neuhäuser B, Beine S, Verwied SC, Lührmann PM. Coffee consumption and total body water
homeostasis as measured by fluid balance and bioelectrical impedance analysis. Ann Nutr Metab.
1997;41(1):29-36.
[4] Herber-Gast GC, van Essen H, Verschuren WM, Stehouwer CD, Gansevoort RT, Bakker SJ, et al.
Coffee and tea consumption in relation to estimated glomerular filtration rate: results from the
population-based longitudinal Doetinchem Cohort Study. Am J Clin Nutr. 2016;103(5):1370-7.
[5] Wemple RD, Lamb DR, McKeever KH. Caffeine vs caffeine-free sports drinks: effects on urine
production at rest and during prolonged exercise. Int J Sports Med. 1997;18(1):40-6.
[6] Killer SC, Blannin AK, Jeukendrup AE. No Evidence of Dehydration with Moderate Daily Coffee
Intake: A Counterbalanced Cross-Over Study in a Free-Living Population. PLoS One.
2014;9(1):e84154.
[7] Maughan, R. J., Griffin, J. (2003) Caffeine ingestion and fluid balance: a review. Journal of Human
Nutrition and Dietetics 16(6), S. 411-420
https://doi-org.eaccess.ub.tum.de/10.1046/j.1365-277X.2003.00477.x


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