The association between tea consumption and non-malignant digestive system diseases: A Mendelian randomized study

Abstract

Background: Tea consumption might be closely related to non-malignant digestive diseases. Nevertheless, this correlation remains inadequately comprehended. Therefore, our objective was to elucidate the essence of these connections.

Methods: This study employed a Mendelian randomization approach to investigate the impact of tea consumption on specific digestive disorders. Genetic data associated with tea consumption were obtained from the UK Biobank (UKB), encompassing 447,485 participants. We chose a gene-wide association study with no sample overlap and UKB as our data source for all outcomes. The primary analytical method utilized was inverse variance weighting, and multiple analytical models were employed to enhance the analysis's reliability and ensure robust results.

Result: Our investigation revealed that tea consumption was linked to an elevated susceptibility to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, there was a lack of substantial evidence suggesting an association between tea intake and Crohn's disease (CD), ulcerative colitis (UC), or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Conclusions: Our study suggests that the excessive consumption of tea may heighten the likelihood of GERD. These results hold potential significance in guiding dietary pattern modifications for individuals with GERD. Furthermore, there may be value in implementing GERD monitoring and preventive measures in populations with elevated tea consumption.

Keywords: Causal relationship; Digestive system diseases; Gastroesophageal reflux disease; Mendelian randomization; Tea.