Coffee & Dementia: Debunking the Stunted Growth Myth | Healio

The persistent idea that coffee stunts growth appears to be just that – an idea, unsupported by scientific evidence. A latest look at the benefits of coffee consumption, published in JAMA in February 2026, suggests a compelling link between caffeinated coffee and a reduced risk of dementia, adding to a growing body of research highlighting the potential cognitive benefits of this widely consumed beverage. This comes as welcome news to those of us who defied parental warnings about reaching our full height.

A Family History of Coffee Caution

In the 1970s, my parents, like many others, subscribed to the belief that coffee would impede my growth. My mother recounted inheriting this concern from her maternal grandmother, a staunch advocate for Postum, a caffeine-free coffee alternative introduced in 1895. Postum’s marketing historically focused on anxieties surrounding coffee’s effects on children, particularly regarding growth and overall health. Despite these prohibitions, I found ways to indulge, favoring coffee ice cream and coffee milk – a Rhode Island staple, and the official state drink, containing approximately 14 mg of caffeine per serving.

Coffee and Cognitive Function: Emerging Evidence

The recent prospective cohort study, involving over 131,000 participants from the Nurses’ Health Study and the Health Professionals Follow-up Study, revealed a positive correlation between caffeinated coffee and tea consumption and a decreased risk of dementia. The study, published in February 2026, found the lowest risk among individuals consuming 2 to 3 cups of caffeinated coffee daily (approximately 300 mg of caffeine), with no additional benefit observed from higher intake. Researchers noted that this study demonstrates an association, not causation, but it aligns with numerous previous studies suggesting a protective effect of coffee against dementia.

A 2024 umbrella study, pooling data from three meta-analyses encompassing over 377,000 participants, similarly concluded that caffeine consumers exhibited a lower dementia risk compared to non-consumers. This growing body of evidence suggests a potential neuroprotective role for caffeine, though the precise mechanisms remain under investigation.

Debunking the Height Myth

The notion that coffee stunts growth has been thoroughly debunked. Early studies raised concerns about caffeine’s potential to interfere with calcium absorption, potentially increasing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Though, current research indicates that adequate calcium intake mitigates any such effects. The historical claims made by Postum advertisements regarding coffee’s detrimental impact on growth were not grounded in scientific evidence.

I currently stand at 5 ft, 2 in, a testament, perhaps, to a childhood spent enjoying coffee-flavored treats despite the warnings.

Understanding the Nuances of Coffee Consumption

While the research highlights the potential benefits of caffeinated coffee, it’s important to consider how coffee is consumed. I prefer espresso without additives, as natural and artificial sugars can diminish the antioxidant effects of caffeine. The brewing method similarly likely plays a role, though the JAMA study did not specify brewing type.

The Role of Caffeine and Brain Health: What We Realize

The precise mechanisms by which caffeine may protect against dementia are still being explored. Several theories exist, including caffeine’s ability to reduce inflammation, improve cerebral blood flow, and block adenosine receptors in the brain. Adenosine is a neurotransmitter that promotes sleepiness and can inhibit cognitive function. By blocking these receptors, caffeine may enhance alertness and cognitive performance. However, it’s crucial to remember that these are hypotheses, and further research is needed to fully understand the complex relationship between caffeine and brain health.

What Does This Mean for Public Health Guidance?

Currently, public health organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) do not issue specific recommendations regarding coffee consumption for dementia prevention. However, the accumulating evidence suggests that moderate coffee consumption – around 2 to 3 cups daily – may be part of a healthy lifestyle that supports cognitive health. It’s important to note that these findings apply to caffeinated coffee. decaffeinated coffee did not demonstrate the same protective effect in the JAMA study.

Looking Ahead: Further Research and Considerations

The field of lifestyle medicine continues to evolve, and ongoing research will undoubtedly shed more light on the complex interplay between diet, lifestyle, and cognitive health. Future studies should focus on identifying the optimal dosage of caffeine for dementia prevention, exploring the effects of different brewing methods, and investigating the potential interactions between caffeine and other dietary factors. Research is needed to determine whether the observed association between coffee consumption and dementia risk extends to diverse populations and age groups.

Resa E. Lewiss, MD DipABLM, is a lifestyle medicine and emergency medicine physician. She is an adjunct professor of emergency medicine at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University. She produces and hosts The Visible Voices Podcast and is the co-author of the leadership book MicroSkills: Small Actions, Big Impact. She can be reached via her website resaelewissmd.com.