The effects of caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee on sex hormone-binding globulin and endogenous sex hormone levels: a randomized controlled trial.
BACKGROUND
Findings from observational studies suggest that sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and endogenous sex hormones may be mediators of the putative relation between coffee consumption and lower risk of type 2 diabetes. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee on SHBG and sex hormone levels.


RESULTS
After a two-week run-in phase with caffeine abstention, we conducted an 8-week parallel-arm randomized controlled trial. Healthy adults (n = 42) were recruited from the Boston community who were regular coffee consumers, nonsmokers, and overweight. Participants were randomized to five 6-ounce cups of caffeinated or decaffeinated instant coffee or water (control group) per day consumed with each meal, mid-morning, and mid-afternoon. The main outcome measures were SHBG and sex hormones [i.e., testosterone, estradiol, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate]. No significant differences were found between treatment groups for any of the studied outcomes at week 8. At 4 weeks, decaffeinated coffee was associated with a borderline significant increase in SHBG in women, but not in men. At week 4, we also observed several differences in hormone concentrations between the treatment groups. Among men, consumption of caffeinated coffee increased total testosterone and decreased total and free estradiol. Among women, decaffeinated coffee decreased total and free testosterone and caffeinated coffee decreased total testosterone.


CONCLUSIONS
Our data do not indicate a consistent effect of caffeinated coffee consumption on SHBG in men or women, however results should be interpreted with caution given the small sample size. This is the first randomized trial investigating the effects of caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee on SHBG and sex hormones and our findings necessitate further examination in a larger intervention trial.
Department of Nutrition, Harvard School of Public Health, 665 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA. nwedick@hsph.harvard.edu
Nicole M
NM
Wedick
Christos S
CS
Mantzoros
Eric L
EL
Ding
Aoife M
AM
Brennan
Bernard
B
Rosner
Eric B
EB
Rimm
Frank B
FB
Hu
Rob M
RM
van Dam
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001900:Boston / Q000453:epidemiology; D002110:Caffeine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003069:Coffee / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000737:chemistry; D019314:Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate / Q000097:blood*; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004958:Estradiol / Q000097:blood* / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D050177:Overweight / Q000097:blood; D012307:Risk Factors; D012727:Sex Characteristics; D012738:Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin / Q000032:analysis*; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood* / Q000378:metabolism; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult
D003069:Coffee; D012738:Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin; D002110:Caffeine; D013739:Testosterone; D004958:Estradiol; D019314:Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate