Lecture Description
Stress is a part of our everyday lives. Coffee contains bioactive components that may affect stress responses, including caffeine, chlorogenic acids, trigonelline, and other phenolic compounds. In this pilot clinical trial, we examined the effects of coffee on three stress measures (self-reported, interleukin-6, and cortisol) using a placebo-controlled randomized crossover design. Subjects consumed one of three beverages (caffeinated or decaffeinated coffee, or a placebo). Beverages were consumed thirty minutes before a Trier Social Stress Test (TSST), which presents verbal and mathematical challenges to produce a short-term mental stress. Self-reported stress was assessed using a standardized questionnaire. Interleukin-6 and cortisol stress markers were measured by sampling saliva throughout the study. Caffeinated and decaffeinated coffees were chemically similar in terms of 3-chlorogenic acid, trigonelline, and total phenolics, only differing in caffeine content (40 versus 6 mg caffeine/100 mL). No differences in self-reported stress or interleukin-6 were observed across treatments. In contrast, subjects consuming decaffeinated coffee maintained significantly lower cortisol levels compared to both caffeinated coffee and to the placebo. This study provides preliminary evidence that decaffeinated coffee lowered cortisol, a key stress marker, relative to caffeinated coffee or a placebo. Future studies will examine the effects of coffee chemistry on stress responses.
Date: Sunday, April 12, 2026
Time: 11:00 am - 11:45 am
Location: Room 23BC
Category: Science
Access: This lecture is free to attend with a World of Coffee entry badge. Register to attend World of Coffee here.
Please note that lecture sessions are open on a first-come, first-served basis. Early arrival is highly recommended to secure your seat.