Daily consumption of coffee may reduce the risk of liver disease and liver cancer, according to a new study involving over 354,000 participants followed for more than a decade, reports BritPanorama.
The study, published in the journal Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, indicates that even high coffee consumption of five or more cups daily may provide health benefits. Researchers measured liver disease primarily through the incidence of cirrhosis, a form of permanent liver damage that can result from various long-term liver conditions.
Cirrhosis affects more than 58 million people globally and is responsible for nearly 1.5 million deaths each year. Additionally, hepatocellular carcinoma, the most common type of liver cancer, contributes to around 685,000 cases and over 597,000 deaths annually worldwide.
In their findings, researchers noted a correlational increase in protective effects as coffee consumption increased. Drinking one to two cups daily was associated with a 20% reduction in cirrhosis risk, a 24% reduction in liver cancer risk, and a 31% lower likelihood of liver-related death. Three to four cups per day yielded a 35% decrease in both cirrhosis and liver cancer risk, alongside a 41% reduction in liver-related deaths. For those consuming five cups or more, there was a 32% lower risk of cirrhosis, a 47% decrease in liver cancer risk, and a 42% lower chance of liver-related mortality.
Dr. Hyunseok Kim, a transplant hepatologist and the study’s lead author, emphasized that while these results are promising, “[these are associations, not proof of cause].” Dietitian Lauren Manaker added that “those are meaningful numbers for something as ordinary as a daily cup of coffee.”
Consuming coffee safely
Interestingly, the protective effects remain even for participants who sweetened their coffee, although the risk reductions were slightly lower. However, caution was advised regarding sugar and artificial sweeteners, as users showed elevated markers for liver inflammation, potentially leading to fatty liver disease.
Experts recommend limiting added sugar intake to no more than 6% of daily calories, corresponding to about 9 teaspoons for men and 6 teaspoons for women. The US Food and Drug Administration advises a maximum caffeine intake of 400 milligrams per day for most healthy adults, typically equivalent to two to three 12-ounce cups of coffee. Individual sensitivity to caffeine can vary significantly among individuals.
Additionally, participants were found to have healthier liver profiles and less fat and inflammation based on advanced MRI imaging. “Combining the three layers of evidence is the real strength,” Manaker noted, underlining the credibility of the findings when different measures align.
However, the study does have limitations, including the fact that coffee consumption was assessed primarily at the beginning and again during MRI evaluations conducted years later, complicating the implications. Furthermore, over 90% of the cohort was European and health-conscious, raising questions about how findings might apply to more diverse populations.
Even with these limitations, the study reinforces the idea that the antioxidants found in coffee may help mitigate inflammation and scarring in the liver. Beyond liver health, coffee has also been associated with lower risks for various conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and dementia.
The implications of such findings are noteworthy as ongoing research continues to explore the diverse health benefits of coffee, while highlighting the need for moderation in its consumption.
