Coffee Consumption Linked to Lower Risk of Liver Disease Death

Consuming coffee, even decaffeinated varieties, has been associated with a reduced risk of developing cirrhosis, liver cancer, and dying from liver disease, according to a study published in the journal Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology.

The research analyzed data from over 350,000 participants in the UK Biobank. These individuals were free of cirrhosis or liver cancer at the study's outset and were monitored for 13 years. The findings revealed a clear correlation: the more coffee participants drank, the lower their risk of liver disease.

Specifically, individuals who consumed five cups of coffee daily showed a 32 percent lower risk of cirrhosis, a 47 percent lower risk of liver cancer, and a 42 percent lower risk of death from liver disease. The study also noted that higher coffee intake was linked to lower levels of liver fat, iron, fibrosis, and inflammation. Blood tests indicated healthier liver function markers and lower levels of inflammation-related proteins in frequent coffee drinkers.

These findings are significant given that liver disease remains a major global cause of death, accounting for two million deaths annually. Senior author Ju Dong-yang advised that the study supports moderate coffee consumption for those who enjoy it and tolerate it well, but cautioned against starting to drink coffee solely for liver protection based on this research alone. Notably, the protective benefits were observed for both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee, suggesting that factors other than caffeine may contribute to coffee's liver-protective effects.

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However, we would not recommend someone to start drinking coffee just for liver protection based on this study alone.