'No proof' that coffee helps MS symptoms

Healthcare News
24/07/2008
Charity spokesman comments on latest MS research.

There is absolutely no evidence that drinking more coffee can help multiple sclerosis (MS) patients combat the condition, the MS Society has said.

Chris Bentley, the charity's press officer, was responding to recent research carried out on mice by the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, which suggested an increased intake of coffee might have some effect.

Given that to date there is no evidence of any effect in humans, he added his organisation could not recommend that patients drink higher than normal amounts of the hot beverage.

Mr Bentley said: "The Department of Health suggests a limit of six to eight cups a day anyway and experts recommend no more than five."

He went on to point out that excessive intake of caffeine is associated with certain undesirable side effects, including a worsening of diabetes.

The MS Society is the largest multiple sclerosis charity for the 85,000 people in the UK it says are affected by the condition.

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