Higher coffee intake is linked to a lower risk of liver diseases, according to a new study.
The findings, published in the journal of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, show that coffee consumption is associated with a reduced likelihood of cirrhosis, liver cancer and liver-related death.
The researchers analysed more than 350,000 participants from the UK Biobank who did not have cirrhosis or liver cancer at the start of the study and tracked their evolution over 13 years.
They found that those who drank five or more cups of coffee a day had a 32% lower risk of cirrhosis, a 47% lower chance of liver cancer and a 42% reduction in liver-related deaths.
A 2023 study found that liver disease accounts for two million deaths annually, representing 4% of the global total. Approximately two-thirds of these fatalities occur in men.
Participants who drank more coffee also had lower levels of liver fat, liver iron, fibrosis and liver inflammation.
Coffee drinkers’ blood tests showed higher levels of proteins tied to healthy liver function and lower levels of those linked to scarring and inflammation.
“Our findings support moderate coffee consumption for people who already enjoy and tolerate it well,” said study senior author Ju Dong Yang.
“However, we would not recommend that someone begin drinking coffee solely for liver protection based on this study alone,” he added.
Both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee showed similar associations, suggesting the benefits are not solely linked to caffeine.
According to study author Shelly Lu, coffee affects liver health through inflammation and scarring, pointing to targets for future research to explore who benefits most.
The strongest association was at around three to four cups per day; however, even moderate intake — one to two cups a day — was linked to significantly lower risks of liver disease.
Don Yang noted that prevention should continue to focus on maintaining a healthy weight, limiting your alcohol intake, exercising regularly, and managing your blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol.
High caffeine consumption can cause increased heart rate, palpitations, high blood pressure, anxiety and sleep disruptions.
Generally, the amount considered safe for most adults is up to 400 milligrams of caffeine a day — around four cups of tea or coffee.
