The study involved 205 healthy people over the age of 60, who were followed for two years, during which researchers measured pain levels and compared coffee and fish consumption.
Pain was recorded on a scale from zero (absence of pain) to ten (maximum degree of suffering).
The researchers found that participants who ate larger amounts of fish had a 4.45-point reduction in their pain level compared to those who reduced their intake.
On the other hand, increased coffee consumption was associated with a 6.56-point increase in pain intensity.
The research team explained that compounds found in fish reduce inflammation, while high levels of coffee make nerve cells more sensitive to pain.
In a report from Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Poland, the researchers said: "Our findings have substantial implications for public health, particularly in the management of chronic pain in older adults."
The team added: "Low doses of caffeine may help relieve acute pain, but chronically consuming large amounts of it may increase pain sensitivity by enhancing nerve cell activity."
