Gallbladder stones, or gallstones, are pebble-like formations created by hardened bile, which is a substance created by the liver to aid in digestion. There are two types of gallbladder stones, which include pigment stones and cholesterol stones. Pigment stones are dark stones comprised of bilirubin, a substance found in bile, while cholesterol stones make up 80 percent of gallstone cases and are composed of hardened cholesterol deposits. The likelihood of developing gallbladder stones may be increased through heredity, weight, diet, age and gender. Preventing gallbladder stones may be done by altering your diet and consuming certain substances. Proponents of coffee claim it may help prevent gallstones in some, however scientific data regarding this claim is conflicting.
Active Compounds
Researchers believe that the primary health benefits of coffee are contributed to its high antioxidant content. Antioxidants are known to fight off free radicals, which are unbalanced molecules perceived to damage healthy body cells by altering their DNA, and potentially causing diseases such as cancer. Caffeine is another active compound found in coffee responsible for its stimulating effects. Researchers at the Institute for Food Chemistry and the German Research Center for Food Chemistry suggest a compound known as methylpyridinium is believed to have anticancer properties.
Evidence
A study published in the "European Journal of Epidemiology" suggests drinking coffee has no protective benefit on the formation of gallstones. Furthermore, the study found coffee and caffeine intake caused a statistically significant increase in the odds of developing gallstones among those with gallstone disease, however participants without gallstone disease were not affected by these substances.
Another study published in the June 1999 issue of the "British Medical Journal" found men who consumed 2 to 3 cups of coffee per day had a 4 percent lower risk of gallbladder stones, and men who consumed more than 4 cups of coffee per day had a 45 percent lower risk of developing gallstones. Researchers from this study believe the reduced risk is associated with caffeine consumption, as men who drank tea, soft drinks or decaffeinated coffee did not experience a decreased risk in developing gallstones. While promising, further research is required to evaluate the true effectiveness of coffee for gallstone prevention.
Suggested Intake
While there is no official dosage of coffee for gallstone prevention, using the dosage found in the "British Medical Journal" study may be beneficial, which is two or more cups of coffee per day. Since coffee contains caffeine, you must closely monitor your consumption to prevent adverse side effects. MayoClinic.com suggests drinking two to four cups of coffee per day, which equals out to 200 to 300 mg of caffeine.
Safety Considerations
Although the study published by the "British Medical Journal" states men who consume four or more cups of coffee experienced the greatest risk reduction, consuming more than 500 mg of caffeine per day -- roughly six cups of coffee -- can lead to adverse side effects such as nervousness, muscle tremors, rapid heartbeat, insomnia, irritability and upset stomach. If you have gallstones, do not consume coffee as studies have found coffee and caffeine caused an increase in abdominal pain among those with gallsones. Talk with your doctor regarding the use and safety of coffee for gallbladder stone prevention.
References
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse; Gallstones; July 2007
- ScienceDaily; Highly Active Compound Found in Coffee May Prevent Colon Cancer; October 2003
- "European Journal of Epidemiology"; Relation of Coffee, Green Tea, and Caffeine Intake to Gallstone Disease in Middle-Aged Japanese Men; H. Ishizuk, et al.; 2003
- "British Medical Journal"; More Coffee, Fewer Gallstones; Scott Gottlibe; June 1999
- MayoClinic.com; Caffeine: How Much is Too Much?; March 2011
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