Does caffeine cause ulcers?
No. Coffee drinking can worsen peptic ulcer disease; however, this appears to be caused by ingredients in coffee other than caffeine. Decaffeinated coffee seems to increase stomach acidity more than caffeinated coffee. Elevated acidity plays a role in ulcer formation and erosions in the esophagus. Reflux symptoms can be made worse by consuming caffeine-containing drinks but it is unclear whether caffeine is the culprit or just the drinks themselves.
