Effect of coffee consumption on host endogenous metabolism and gut microbiota in healthy adults

Coffee is an antioxidant-rich food consumed widely around the world and has been shown to confer various health benefits. However, the effects of acute coffee consumption on host-gut microbial responses are generally lacking. Here, we investigated the effect of acute coffee consumption on the host-gut microbial axis in healthy human subjects. In this study, 30 healthy volunteers were recruited and given a serving of sugar free black coffee. Urine and faecal samples were collected and analysed. Significant changes in urinary metabolic profiles relating to coffee, gut microbial and host energy metabolisms were observed pre- and post-coffee consumption. Clear gender differences were also observed in the urinary metabolic profiles pre- and post-coffee consumption. Differences in richness and composition of gut microbiota were observed between male and female subjects, however, the effect of acute coffee consumption on host gut microbiota were not detected. These findings indicated that acute coffee consumption affects gender-specific host metabolic responses that relates to gut-microbe and energy metabolism. However, the effects on host gut microbiota were subtle. This study demonstrated the utility of systems biology tools to unravel complexity of host biology and gut microbial responses thus bringing personalised nutrition closer to reality.