7

The question below highlights recent studies that conclude coffee does not necessarily dehydrate.

Is decaffeinated coffee a diuretic?

Why has it always been assumed otherwise? Perhaps the evidence was based on tests of pure caffeine?

Improve this question

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
11

Why it has been long assumed that caffeine or coffee is dehydrating?

Because caffeine is a mild diuretic - it stimulates water excretion through the kidneys. But the amount of water you consume with caffeinated drinks is usually greater than the amount of water you lose in urine due to caffeine diuretic effect, so there is no net water loss and hence no dehydration.

Also, regular (daily) coffee drinkers will usually quickly (within few days) develop tolerance to caffeine effects including the diuretic effect.

Source 1 (PubMed, 2003):

Caffeine and related methylxanthine compounds are recognized as having a diuretic action...

The available literature suggests that acute ingestion of caffeine in large doses (at least 250-300 mg, equivalent to the amount found in 2-3 cups of coffee or 5-8 cups of tea) results in a short-term stimulation of urine output in individuals who have been deprived of caffeine for a period of days or weeks. A profound tolerance to the diuretic and other effects of caffeine develops, however, and the actions are much diminished in individuals who regularly consume tea or coffee. Doses of caffeine equivalent to the amount normally found in standard servings of tea, coffee and carbonated soft drinks appear to have no diuretic action.

Source 2 (PubMed, 2014):

It is often suggested that coffee causes dehydration and its consumption should be avoided or significantly reduced to maintain fluid balance...Our data show that there were no significant differences across a wide range of haematological and urinary markers of hydration status between trials. These data suggest that coffee, when consumed in moderation by caffeine habituated males provides similar hydrating qualities to water.

In conclusion, the old suggestion that caffeine is dehydrating was due to misinterpretation that increased diuresis automatically results in dehydration. They also overestimated the actual diuretic effect of caffeine.

Improve this answer
3
  • 1
    Yes, it was misinterpretation. During the studies, they observed increased diuresis after caffeine consumption, and then they automatically concluded: increased diuresis = dehydration, but they did not evaluate the hydration status of the participants at all. You can speak of dehydrating effect of a substance when it results in a net water loss. Since caffeine usually comes with beverages, the water in these beverage will prevent dehydration. So, something can be theoretically, but not necessary practically dehydrating. I added a review of studies in which they estimated the hydration status.
    – Jan
    Sep 24, 2018 at 16:47
  • Was this really "misinterpretation" or more "jumping to conclusions"?
    – LаngLаngС
    Sep 24, 2018 at 18:56
  • @LangLangC, I see 2 problems: One is "jumping to conclusions" from increased diuresis to dehydration without assessing hydration status. The second is ignoring the fact that most people will develop tolerance to caffeine effects within few days of consumption.
    – Jan
    Sep 25, 2018 at 9:56

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.