Osteoarthritis and high daily caffeine intake: A positive correlation

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Created On: 05/12/2024

Growing evidence suggests that caffeine intake adversely affects hyaline cartilage. Hence, this epidemiological and mendelian randomization (MR) analysis aimed to inspect the suspected connection between caffeine use and the chances of developing osteoarthritis (OA).

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Key take away

Daily caffeine intake of 95 mg or more is positively associated with osteoarthritis.

Background

Method

This study utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Moreover, logistic regression models were used to assess the role of caffeine intake in OA development. Model 1 was not adjusted; Model 2 was modified to include age, level of education, racial/ethnic identity, and sex. On the other hand, Model 3 was calibrated for Model 2 by adding Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) score, activity level, body-mass index, tobacco use and drinking habits, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

MR analysis was used to assess the relationship using genome-wide association data. A range of statistical methods—inverse variance weighting (IVW), simple mode, MR-Egger regression, weighted median, and weighted mode were used to facilitate an in-depth assessment. For examining pleiotropy and heterogeneity, researchers conducted MR Steiger test, Cochran's Q test, MR-Egger intercept test, and MR Pleiotropy RESidual Sum and Outlier test (MR-PRESSO).

Result

As per the weighted multivariate logistic regression evaluation, a significant link existed between heavy caffeine use (95–206 mg/day and ≥206 mg/day) and the incidence of OA, even after adjusting for covariates with the lowest caffeine intake (<11 mg/day) as the reference: Odds ratio (95% confidence interval) for Model 1 = 1.365 (1.18–1.58) and 1.59 (1.38–1.83); for Model 2 = 1.21 (1.04–1.42) and 1.44 (1.23–1.68); and for Model 3 = 1.19 (1.01–1.40) and 1.30 (1.10–1.52), all with p < 0.05.

The fixed effects IVW assessment illustrated a strong statistical connection between coffee consumption and the risk of knee OA, with an OR of 1.94 (95% CI = 1.471–2.517; p < 0.001). These results were consistently supported by simple mode analyses, weighted mode, MR-Egger regression, and weighted median.

Conclusion

A significant association was found between OA risk and daily coffee consumption of 95 mg or higher. To reduce caffeine's adverse effects, especially for those with slower metabolism like infants and pregnant women, consumption should be regulated. Healthcare professionals should be aware of caffeine's risks to the musculoskeletal system and offer relevant guidance to patients.