Coffee May Slow Aging in Severe Mental Illness

A new study published in BMJ Mental Health suggests that drinking up to 3–4 cups of coffee a day could help slow biological aging in people living with severe mental illness, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and psychosis (1^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Coffee intake is associated with telomere length in severe mental disorders

Go to source). The secret? Telomeres, the tiny caps on the ends of chromosomes that protect our DNA. Longer telomeres are associated with younger biological age, while shorter ones signal accelerated aging. Researchers found that people who drank moderate amounts of coffee had longer telomeres equivalent to about five “younger” biological years compared to non-coffee drinkers.

But there’s a catch: More than 4 cups a day showed no anti-aging benefit at all.

Why Coffee Might Help Protect the Brain and Body

Telomere shortening happens naturally as we age, but it tends to happen much faster in people with severe mental illness because of higher levels of inflammation, oxidative stress, and metabolic stress.

Coffee contains powerful:

• antioxidants
• anti-inflammatory compounds

These molecules may help protect telomeres from damage, according to scientists.

Inside the Study: Who Was Included?

The research examined 436 adults from the Norwegian TOP (Thematically Organised Psychosis) study, including:

• 259 people with schizophrenia
• 177 with bipolar disorder or major depressive disorder with psychosis

Participants reported their daily coffee consumption and smoking habits. They were grouped into:

• 0 cups
• 1–2 cups
• 3–4 cups (the “sweet spot”)
• 5+ cups

Interestingly, people with schizophrenia tended to drink more coffee than those with affective disorders. Drinking 3–4 cups of coffee a day was linked to longer telomeres, while drinking 5 or more cups showed no added benefit.
When researchers measured telomere length using white blood cells, they found a J-shaped curve:

• No coffee → shorter telomeres
• 1–2 cups → small benefit
• 3–4 cups → the strongest association with longer telomeres
• 5+ cups → benefits disappear

After accounting for age, sex, ethnicity, smoking, diagnosis, and medications, the results showed that moderate coffee drinkers had telomere lengths corresponding to approximately 5 “younger” biological years.

However, heavy coffee consumption may increase oxidative stress, potentially canceling the benefits, which aligns with health authorities recommending a maximum of 400 mg of caffeine per day (approximately 4 cups).

Important Caveat: This Study Can’t Prove Cause and Effect

Because this was an observational study, researchers cannot say coffee causes slower aging, only that there is a clear association.

The study also lacked details on:

• coffee type
• brewing method
• actual caffeine levels
• timing of consumption

Still, scientists say the biological link is plausible, especially given telomeres’ sensitivity to inflammation and oxidative stress.

What This Means for People With Severe Mental Illness

People with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and psychosis often face:

• accelerated biological aging
• higher rates of physical illness
• shorter life expectancy

If confirmed in future studies, moderate coffee intake could become a simple, accessible lifestyle tool to support long-term health in this population. However, researchers warn that consuming more than 4 cups a day is not beneficial and may even be harmful.

Final Takeaway

Coffee might do more than boost mental alertness, it may help protect your cells, especially in individuals vulnerable to accelerated aging. But moderation matters.

Up to 4 cups? Potentially beneficial. More than that? Benefits drop off fast.

Reference:

1. Coffee intake is associated with telomere length in severe mental disorders - (https://mentalhealth.bmj.com/content/28/1/e301700)

Source-Medindia