Coffee Hydration Study: Does Coffee Dehydrate You? (Answer: No)
Dr. Kumar’s Take
This elegant crossover study finally put the “coffee dehydrates you” myth to rest. When consumed in moderation, coffee hydrates the body just as effectively as water. Caffeine’s mild diuretic effect is quickly offset by fluid intake and physiological adaptation in regular consumers.
Key Takeaways
- Moderate coffee intake does not cause dehydration in habitual coffee drinkers.
- Fluid balance, urine output, and plasma osmolality were equivalent between coffee and water conditions.
- Regular caffeine use leads to renal adaptation, reducing diuretic sensitivity.
- Coffee contributes meaningfully to daily fluid requirements.
Actionable Tip
Treat coffee as part of your daily hydration plan if you consume it regularly — just don’t replace all fluids with caffeine-containing beverages.