Does caffeine affect multiple sclerosis (MS)?

For people who love coffee, receiving a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis can lead you towards asking the questions of whether you’ll need to give up something you rely on day-to-day.

It can be easily forgotten that alcohol and caffeine are in fact drugs, as they are so widely used, and that caffeine is one of the most widely consumed stimulants of the nervous system worldwide.  Caffeine was actually first used as a medical treatment in the early 19th century. 

Most people will have felt the effects of a strong cup of coffee on your body, but it can be unclear whether caffeine is good or bad for our health with each individual experiencing different side effects and withdrawal symptoms if removed from your diet.

Is coffee bad for multiple sclerosis?

There is no evidence that coffee is bad for people with MS. Coffee (caffeine) has actually been found to reduce the likelihood of developing multiple sclerosis by 30% and coffee consumption does not seem to play any role in the progression of disability in people with multiple sclerosis.

Research has found that people drinking more than 900 ml of coffee each day, roughly three mugs, are up to 30% less likely to develop multiple sclerosis than people who drink no coffee. It is unclear why this is, or whether coffee has a positive effect on people who have MS. 

A study of 126 patients in 2017 found that coffee consumption does not seem to have a role in the progression of disability in MS patients. 

Coffee has an anti-inflammatory effect and is in fact one of the biggest sources of antioxidants in people who have a standard western diet. 

There are no specific restrictions about caffeine included in the Overcoming MS Program. However, you should follow standard health advice about consumption of caffeine — in 2015 the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) suggested a maximum 400 mg per day and single doses of 200mg. This is roughly four cups of coffee per day, but if you find that caffeine gives you adverse effects, then stay away.

Caffeine and MS symptoms

Caffeine is often used to boost energy and alertness, but if you have multiple sclerosis (MS), it can affect your symptoms in different ways. Here’s how caffeine may impact common MS symptoms:

Fatigue and MS

Fatigue is one of the most common MS symptoms, and many people turn to coffee or other caffeinated drinks for relief. Current research is exploring the link between caffeine and fatigue in MS, but there is no evidence that caffeine causes harm for people with MS. Some individuals may even notice improved energy levels. However, caffeine can interfere with sleep quality, so it’s best to limit caffeine intake in the evening to avoid worsening fatigue over time.

Bladder and Bowel Symptoms

Caffeine can have mixed effects on bladder and bowel function in MS. For some, coffee helps stimulate bowel movements and relieve constipation. On the other hand, caffeine is a diuretic (increasing urine production) and can irritate the bladder, potentially worsening bladder urgency or frequency. If you experience bladder symptoms, it’s important to stay well-hydrated to reduce the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Cognitive Fog and Mental Alertness

Many people with MS experience cognitive fog or “brain fog.” Caffeine, as in the general population, may temporarily improve mental alertness and focus.

Other MS Symptoms Affected by Caffeine

Some people with MS report that caffeine temporarily worsens symptoms such as heat intolerance, nausea, or even fatigue after the initial energy boost fades. High doses of caffeine can also cause side effects on their own, including anxiety, insomnia, increased heart rate, high blood pressure, and restlessness.

Mixed advice around caffeine and MS

Previous research has been mixed with respect to MS and caffeine, but a literature review in 2018 found indications that coffee and caffeine intake must not be considered as a health risk. Additional clinical studies are needed to fully understand how far coffee and caffeine intake should be considered as a potential therapeutic approach for MS and other conditions.

In conclusion, it appears that drinking a moderate amount of caffeine shouldn’t have any ill-effect on people with MS. However it is up to you whether you choose to consume caffeine depending on whether you enjoy it and how it affects you.  So you can keep enjoying your almond milk latte or morning espresso.