A common morning ritual for millions could be contributing to higher levels of persistent pain in later life, according to new scientific research.
The Polish Study's Key Findings
A team from Nicolaus Copernicus University in Poland conducted a study involving 205 healthy adults aged between 60 and 88, tracking them over a two-year period. Their findings, released in December 2025, revealed a significant association between increased coffee consumption and higher chronic pain levels.
The research indicated that a rise in coffee intake was linked to an average increase of 6.56 points on the pain intensity scale used in the study. In contrast, the investigation pointed to a potential dietary benefit: an increased consumption of oily fish was associated with a notable 4.45-point reduction in reported pain intensity.
Potential Reasons Behind the Link
Researchers suggested that the omega-3 fatty acids found abundantly in oily fish possess strong anti-inflammatory properties, which may explain their apparent protective effect against chronic pain. The mechanism linking coffee to increased pain is less clear and requires deeper investigation.
The scientists have urged caution, explicitly stating that further research is essential to confirm these observed associations and understand the underlying causes. They emphasised that their work identifies a correlation, not definitive proof of cause and effect.
Supporting Evidence on Timing and Digestion
Separately, a 2020 study from the University of Bath offered another perspective on coffee's potential downsides. That research suggested that drinking coffee before breakfast, particularly after a night of disrupted sleep, could lead to digestive discomfort, heartburn, and impaired blood glucose control.
When combined, these studies highlight that both the quantity and the timing of coffee consumption may have important implications for physical wellbeing, especially concerning pain and metabolic health.
What This Means for the Public
For older adults managing chronic pain, these findings suggest it may be worthwhile to review daily dietary habits. While the researchers are not calling for a complete ban on coffee, they highlight a potentially important relationship that merits awareness.
The stronger, positive link with oily fish intake aligns with longstanding nutritional advice to include sources of omega-3s in the diet for their broad anti-inflammatory benefits. The study underscores the complex role that everyday foods and drinks can play in long-term health outcomes.
