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A new study shows that coffee drinkers have a lower risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. The study highlights the protective effects of caffeine.
Frankfurt – A recent study has made a significant discovery: people who regularly consume coffee have a lower risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. This research, which was conducted as part of the EPIC4PD study provides new insights into the potentially protective effects of caffeine and its metabolites.
Parkinson’s is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases and affects millions of people worldwide. According to Theodor Wenzel Foundation In Germany, around 400,000 people are currently affected by the disease. Despite intensive research, there is currently no preventive or curative treatment. EPIC4PD study investigated the connection between coffee consumption and the occurrence of Parkinson’s by analyzing data from over 184,000 participants from six European countries.
Metabolites: What are they?
Metabolites are intermediate products of metabolism that are constantly being built up, broken down and rebuilt. Their concentrations are influenced by genes and the environment. Researchers use these dynamic networks to draw conclusions about the genetic makeup of an organism and its hidden properties. Metabolites include enzymes, signaling molecules, proteins, fats and sugars, many of which are still unknown. Metabolite analysis determines the masses of the substances present in a cell. Sometimes a molecule can be identified by its specific gravity, sometimes only the mass of an unknown molecule remains.
Source: Max Planck Institute (www.mpimp-golm.mpg.de/metaboliteprofiling)
Correlation between coffee consumption and Parkinson’s: results of the study
The results are promising. The researchers found that people who consumed the highest amount of coffee had a 37 percent lower risk of developing Parkinson’s compared to non-coffee drinkers. Another key element of the study was examining caffeine metabolites in the participants’ blood. The researchers analyzed samples taken before Parkinson’s diagnosis and found that higher levels of caffeine, as well as its main metabolites paraxanthines and theophyllines, were associated with a reduced risk.
These results could have significant implications for public Health Coffee is one of the most commonly consumed beverages in the world. In Germany alone, according to a study published in April 2023, Market survey by the German Coffee Association four cups per person consumed.
Coffee effect on Parkinson’s: Further studies needed
Understanding its potentially protective effects could support new prevention strategies against Parkinson’s. According to current scientific knowledge, Parkinson’s disease cannot be stopped and, similar to Dementia, incurable. Parkinson’s disease is, according to German Society for Parkinson’s and Movement Disorders (DPG)), the second most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s disease. However, it is important to emphasize that this study only proves an association and not causality.
Thus, further research is needed to understand the precise mechanisms by which caffeine and its metabolites might reduce Parkinson’s risk. These new findings would not only offer hope for potential prevention strategies, but would also expand our understanding of the complex relationships between diet and neurodegenerative diseases. (ls)
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