Influence of Coffee Consumption on BIA-derived Body Composition Parameters

Overview

Body composition analysis is frequently used in both clinical and research settings for evaluation of nutritional status and follow-up. Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is one method that has been extensively used to measure body composition. To ensure the reliability of BIA results, several recommendations are proposed in the literature. One of them is to avoid coffee and caffeine prior the test. This instruction is primarily based on the potential diuretic effects of caffeine however few studies evaluated the impact of coffee on fluid balance. Research participants usually have several commitments, especially those enrolled in clinical trials. Simplified and evidence-based instructions can avoid unnecessary restrictions and lead to better participant compliance.

Body composition analysis is frequently used in both clinical and research settings for evaluation of nutritional status and follow-up. Using only anthropometric measures is outdated considering the increasing transition towards an individualized treatment and the recent advances in body composition assessment. Methods to evaluate body composition in humans are chosen mostly based on compartment of interest, study population and feasibility. Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is one method that has been extensively used to measure body composition. This method uses an impedance that can penetrates both intra- and extracellular fluids to estimate total body water, fat-free mass and body fat. To ensure the reliability of BIA results, several recommendations are proposed in the literature. One of them is to avoid coffee and caffeine prior the test. This instruction is primarily based on the potential diuretic effects of caffeine, which mechanisms are not completely understood. However, few studies evaluated the impact of coffee or caffeine (supplement) on fluid balance. Coffee is a highly consumed beverage worldwide. Coffee is one of the most consumed beverage among adults in Canada, and most of the caffeine consumed by adults comes from this beverage. In addition, coffee bioactive compounds such as methylxanthines can influence BIA results due its diuretic effect. Research participants usually have several commitments, especially those enrolled in clinical trials. Simplified and evidence-based instructions can avoid unnecessary restrictions and lead to better participant compliance. To the best of our knowledge the current study is the first to explore the effect of coffee with two different amounts of caffeine on BIA-derived body composition parameters.