Too Much Coffee Depletes B Vitamins

The health pros and cons of coffee consumption are a much debated issue.  A new study shows that 4 or more cups of coffee per day have a significantly adverse affect on B vitamin status.  The researchers found that folic acid levels were lowered by 11.7%, B6 by 14.1%, and B2 by 5.5%.  At the same time the arterial plaque forming homocysteine It is a homologue of the amino acid cysteine that is synthesized from methionine An essential amino acid which serves as a methyl donor and is involved with the biosynthesis of other nutrients. Improper conversion is associated with production of homocysteine and atherosclerosis. which requires adequate Folic Acid, B12, and B6 to function properly. Elevated levels have been associated with heart disease, thrombosis, strokes, Alzheimer's disease, and other disorders. was elevated by 6.8%.

Coffee is the most widely consumed stimulant around the world.  A great deal of positive research relating to blood sugar metabolism, diabetes, and mental clarity has been published in the past several years.  It does not take much coffee to have health benefits for those who like coffee.  However, too much of a good thing is no longer a good thing.

Keep your coffee intake to 1-2 cups per day or run the risk of depleting B vitamins vital to your brain, metabolism, and cardiovascular function.