New Research Suggests Caffeine May Help You Age Better

Researchers at the Queen Mary University of London say caffeine may do more than sharpen focus. New findings suggest it could influence biological pathways linked to ageing and long term health.

The study, published in Microbial Cell, examined how caffeine affects cellular behaviour using fission yeast, a single celled organism widely used in ageing research because it shares important similarities with human cells.

The team discovered that caffeine activates AMPK, short for AMP activated protein kinase. This enzyme acts as a cellular energy sensor, helping cells respond when fuel levels drop. AMPK plays a central role in regulating metabolism, stress resistance and DNA repair, all processes closely tied to ageing.

Lead researcher Babis Rallis explained that caffeine appears to switch on this energy regulator, which is already of major interest in medical science. The diabetes drug metformin, commonly prescribed for type 2 diabetes, also activates AMPK and has been studied for potential lifespan extending properties.

Previous research has also shown that caffeine interacts with TOR, a growth regulating pathway that determines when cells grow based on nutrient availability. By influencing TOR signalling, caffeine may mimic a state of mild nutrient scarcity, encouraging cells to slow growth and activate protective longevity mechanisms.

While the findings are promising, the researchers emphasise moderation. Caffeine is only one compound among many found in beverages such as coffee, and excessive intake can have negative effects. The benefits appear linked to balanced consumption rather than high doses.

The study adds to growing evidence that everyday dietary components may influence cellular ageing pathways. However, scientists caution that more human based research is needed before drawing firm conclusions about caffeine’s long term impact on lifespan.

References: Alao, J.-P., Kumar, J., Stamataki, D., & Rallis, C. (2025). Dissecting the cell cycle regulation, DNA damage sensitivity and lifespan effects of caffeine in fission yeast. Microbial Cell, 12(1), 141–156. https://doi.org/10.15698/mic2025.06.852

Rallis, C., Codlin, S., & Bähler, J. (2013). TORC1 signaling inhibition by rapamycin and caffeine affect lifespan, global gene expression, and cell proliferation of fission yeast. Aging Cell, 12(4), 563–573. https://doi.org/10.1111/acel.12080