Abstract
BACKGROUND: Coffee is widely consumed in the US, linked to various health benefits, including reduced adiposity. α-Klotho is a circulating protein linked to the aging processes, associated with greater longevity, and confers protective effects against cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, and neurodegenerative disorders. This study investigates the association between coffee (total, caffeinated, and decaffeinated) intake and serum α-Klotho (SαKl) levels. METHODS: Data from 9,811 participants aged 40-79 years from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2007-2016) were analyzed. Coffee intake was assessed using 24-h dietary recalls in the Food and Nutrient Database for Dietary Studies. SαKl levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Multivariable linear regression and generalized additive models analyzed the relationships. RESULTS: An L-shaped association was observed between total coffee and caffeinated coffee intake and SαKl levels, characterized by a sharp decline at low consumption that plateaued at higher intakes, particularly among females and individuals under 60 years old. The relationship persisted across all adjusted models, with a clear inflection point in the L-shaped curve. Decaffeinated coffee showed no significant effects. CONCLUSION: There is a negative, L-shaped association between coffee, particularly caffeinated coffee, and SαKl levels, underscoring the potential impact of caffeinated coffee on aging-related biomarkers and the need for further investigation into underlying mechanisms.