Large study links coffee drinking to lower risk of liver disease
A large observational study found that coffee drinkers have a lower risk of cirrhosis, liver cancer, and liver-related death. The research analyzed data from nearly 355,000 adults over more than 13 years.
Coffee and liver health
One of the largest investigations into coffee and liver health has found that people who drink more coffee tend to have lower risks of cirrhosis, liver cancer, and death from liver disease. The study, conducted by Cedars-Sinai Health Sciences University and published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, also identified biological patterns that may explain why coffee consumption has been repeatedly linked to healthier livers.
Researchers analyzed data from 354,957 UK Biobank participants without a history of cirrhosis or liver cancer at baseline. Over a median follow-up of 13 years, coffee drinkers generally had better liver outcomes than non-drinkers. Those consuming five or more cups per day had a 32% lower risk of cirrhosis, a 47% lower risk of liver cancer, and a 42% lower risk of dying from liver disease compared with non-coffee drinkers.
Biological mechanisms
Liver MRI scans and blood protein measurements revealed that higher coffee consumption was associated with lower levels of liver fat, excess iron, fibrosis, and inflammation. Blood samples also showed higher levels of proteins linked to healthy liver function and lower levels of proteins related to inflammation and scarring.
Benefits were seen even with one or two cups per day, though the strongest associations were observed at about three to four cups daily. The researchers cautioned that they are not advising people to increase their intake to five cups specifically.
Decaf and other considerations
Both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee were linked to better liver outcomes, suggesting that caffeine is not the only beneficial compound. Coffee contains numerous naturally occurring substances that may influence inflammation, scarring, and other liver disease processes.
However, the study was observational and cannot prove that coffee directly prevents liver disease. The researchers emphasized that coffee should complement, not replace, established liver protection strategies: maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol, regular exercise, and managing blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol.
Caffeine may not be suitable for everyone. Individuals with uncontrolled high blood pressure, certain heart rhythm disorders, severe anxiety, insomnia, or other conditions requiring caffeine restriction should consult a healthcare provider before increasing coffee intake.
Future research
The team plans to identify specific coffee compounds responsible for the observed associations. They pointed to biological pathways involving inflammation and scarring and highlighted molecular targets for further investigation.
