Skip to main content

Thank you for visiting nature.com. You are using a browser version with limited support for CSS. To obtain the best experience, we recommend you use a more up to date browser (or turn off compatibility mode in Internet Explorer). In the meantime, to ensure continued support, we are displaying the site without styles and JavaScript.

Nutrition and Health (including climate and ecological aspects)

The influence of coffee consumption on bioelectrical impedance parameters: a randomized, double-blind, cross-over trial

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition volume 76, pages 212–219 (2022)Cite this article

Subjects

Abstract

Background

Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is a widely used method for estimating body composition. Avoiding foods/beverages containing caffeine is a frequently enforced pre-test protocol to ensure reliability of BIA measurements. However, few studies have evaluated whether this is necessary, with conflicting results. We aimed to determine whether the coffee consumption differing in caffeine content influences BIA parameters in healthy adults.

Methods

Twenty-five healthy adults were enrolled in a randomized, double-blind cross-over trial. Three amounts of caffeine were given with 200 mL of coffee: 0 mg (11 g of decaffeinated), 200 mg (5.5 g of caffeinated plus 5.5 g of decaffeinated), and 400 mg of caffeine (11 g of caffeinated). BIA measurements were conducted at 6 different times, and coefficient variations (CV) explored.

Results

No differences were observed for group × time interaction on impedance, resistance, or reactance (p > 0.05). Values of BIA parameters increased after 30-min of coffee consumption, independently of the caffeine dosage (all p < 0.001). Body fat percentage followed the same pattern and increased after 45-min (p < 0.05). Median CV for consecutive impedance, resistance, and reactance measurements were >95%CI of expected device measurement error over 70-min, without difference between groups. Urine output volume was not different between groups (decaffeinated: 440.45 ± 197.57 mL; 200 mg: 471.80 ± 171.88 mL; 400 mg: 489.30 ± 204.10 mL, p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Coffee consumption influenced BIA-derived results after 70-min but was not related to caffeine content, likely due to water intake.

This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution

Access options

Rent or buy this article

Get just this article for as long as you need it

$39.95

Learn more

Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout

Fig. 1: Study flowchart.
Fig. 2: Influence of coffee consumption with different doses of caffeine on bioelectrical impedance analysis parameters.
Fig. 3: Influence of coffee consumption with different doses of caffeine on bioelectrical impedance analysis derived results.
Fig. 4: Total urine output after coffee consumption with different doses of caffeine.

References

  1. Lee SY, Gallagher D. Assessment methods in human body composition. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2008;11:566–72.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  2. Lukaski HC, Vega Diaz N, Talluri A, Nescolarde L. Classification of hydration in clinical conditions: indirect and direct approaches using bioimpedance. Nutrients. 2019;11:809. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11040809.

    Article  CAS  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  3. Bera TK. Bioelectrical impedance methods for noninvasive health monitoring: a review. J Med Eng. 2014;2014:381251.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  4. Androutsos O, Gerasimidis K, Karanikolou A, Reilly JJ, Edwards CA. Impact of eating and drinking on body composition measurements by bioelectrical impedance. J Hum Nutr Diet. 2015;28:165–71.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  5. Marx B, Scuvee E, Scuvee-Moreau J, Seutin V, Jouret F. Mechanisms of caffeine-induced diuresis. Med Sci. 2016;32:485–90.

    Google Scholar 

  6. Reyes CM, Cornelis MC. Caffeine in the diet: country-level consumption and guidelines. Nutrients. 2018;10:1772. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10111772.

    Article  CAS  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  7. Blauch JL. HPLC determination of caffeine and theobromine in coffee, tea, and instant hot cocoa mixes. J Food Sci. 1983;48:745–7. Tarka Jr. SM

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  8. Stavric B. Methylxanthines: toxicity to humans. 1. Theophylline. Food Chem Toxicol. 1988;26:541–65.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  9. Hackett J, Telepchak MJ, Coyer MJ. Analysis of total caffeine and other xanthines in specialty coffees using mixed mode solid-phase extraction and liquid chromatography-diode-array detection after microwave digestion. J Anal Toxicol. 2008;32:695–701.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  10. Irons JGB, Bassett DT, Prendergast CO, Landrum RE, Heinz AJ. Development and initial validation of the caffeine consumption questionnaire-revised. J Caffeine Res. 2016;6:20–5.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  11. Earthman CP. Body composition tools for assessment of adult malnutrition at the bedside: a tutorial on research considerations and clinical applications. J Parenter Enter Nutr. 2015;39:787–822.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  12. Price KL, Earthman CP. Update on body composition tools in clinical settings: computed tomography, ultrasound, and bioimpedance applications for assessment and monitoring. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2019;73:187–93.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  13. Kellum JA, Lameire N. Diagnosis, evaluation, and management of acute kidney injury: a KDIGO summary (Part 1). Crit Care. 2013;17:204.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  14. McCusker RR, Goldberger BA, Cone EJ. Caffeine content of specialty coffees. J Anal Toxicol. 2003;27:520–2.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  15. Dixon CB, Ramos L, Fitzgerald E, Reppert D, Andreacci JL. The effect of acute fluid consumption on measures of impedance and percent body fat estimated using segmental bioelectrical impedance analysis. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2009;63:1115–22.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  16. Williamson CM, Nickerson BS, Bechke EE, McLester CN, Kliszczewicz BM. Influence of acute consumption of caffeine vs. placebo over Bia-derived measurements of body composition: a randomized, double-blind, crossover design. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2018;15:7.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  17. Foster KR, Lukaski HC. Whole-body impedance-what does it measure? Am J Clin Nutr. 1996;64:388s–96s.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  18. Kushner RF, Gudivaka R, Schoeller DA. Clinical characteristics influencing bioelectrical impedance analysis measurements. Am J Clin Nutr. 1996;64:423s–7s.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  19. Dehghan M, Merchant AT. Is bioelectrical impedance accurate for use in large epidemiological studies? Nutr J. 2008;7:26.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  20. Seal AD, Bardis CN, Gavrieli A, Grigorakis P, Adams JD, Arnaoutis G, et al. Coffee with high but not low caffeine content augments fluid and electrolyte excretion at rest. Front Nutr. 2017;4:40.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  21. Armstrong LE, Pumerantz AC, Roti MW, Judelson DA, Watson G, Dias JC, et al. Fluid, electrolyte, and renal indices of hydration during 11 days of controlled caffeine consumption. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2005;15:252–65.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  22. 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:e84154.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  23. Silva AM, Judice PB, Matias CN, Santos DA, Magalhaes JP, St-Onge MP, et al. Total body water and its compartments are not affected by ingesting a moderate dose of caffeine in healthy young adult males. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2013;38:626–32.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  24. Maughan RJ, Griffin J. Caffeine ingestion and fluid balance: a review. J Hum Nutr Diet. 2003;16:411–20.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  25. Zhang Y, Coca A, Casa DJ, Antonio J, Green JM, Bishop PA. Caffeine and diuresis during rest and exercise: a meta-analysis. J Sci Med Sport. 2015;18:569–74.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  26. Lu HK, Chiang LM, Chen YY, Chuang CL, Chen KT, Dwyer GB. et al. Hand-to-hand model for bioelectrical impedance analysis to estimate fat free mass in a healthy population. Nutrients. 2016;8:654. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8100654.

    Article  CAS  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  27. Bedogni G, Malavolti M, Severi S, Poli M, Mussi C, Fantuzzi AL, et al. Accuracy of an eight-point tactile-electrode impedance method in the assessment of total body water. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2002;56:1143–8.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

We thank Nescafe Nestlé Canada for in-kind donation of the product. The company had no role in any aspect of the study.

Funding

The study was funded by Campus Alberta Innovates Program. JFM was supported by the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq, n. 203886/2017–8) during the conduction of this study. JRBT was supported by the Brazilian Government through the Graduate Scholarship of CNPq and Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program supported by the Government of Canada.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Research Innovation, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E1, Canada

    João F. Mota, Gabriela L. Oto, Claire F. Trottier, Jenneffer R. B. Tibaes & Carla M. Prado

  2. Clinical and Sports Nutrition Research Laboratory (LABINCE), Faculty of Nutrition, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, 74.605-080, Brazil

    João F. Mota

  3. Postgraduate Program in Health and Behavior, Catholic University of Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, 96055-800, Brazil

    Maria Cristina Gonzalez

  4. Department of Kinesiology and Public Health Education, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, 58202, USA

    Henry Lukaski

  5. Department of Food Science, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Rua Professor Moacir Gomes de Freitas – Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31270-901, Brazil

    Jenneffer R. B. Tibaes

Authors
  1. João F. Mota
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Maria Cristina Gonzalez
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Henry Lukaski
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Gabriela L. Oto
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Claire F. Trottier
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Jenneffer R. B. Tibaes
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. Carla M. Prado
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Contributions

JFM, CT, and CMP: designed the research; JFM and JRBT: product acquisition; GLO and CT: performed data collection; JFM: performed the statistical analyses; HL, JFM, and MCG: analyzed and interpreted the data; JFM and JRBT: wrote the first draft of the manuscript; CMP, CT, GLO, HL, and MCG: reviewed the manuscript, contributed to the discussion. All authors were involved in editing the manuscript and read and approved the final manuscript.

Corresponding authors

Correspondence to João F. Mota or Carla M. Prado.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of interest

The authors declare no competing interests

Additional information

Publisher’s note Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Supplementary information

Rights and permissions

Reprints and Permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Mota, J.F., Gonzalez, M.C., Lukaski, H. et al. The influence of coffee consumption on bioelectrical impedance parameters: a randomized, double-blind, cross-over trial. Eur J Clin Nutr 76, 212–219 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41430-021-00932-3

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41430-021-00932-3

This article is cited by

Search

Advanced search

Quick links