A new study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology has found that higher coffee consumption is associated with a reduced risk of developing liver diseases, including cirrhosis and liver cancer, as well as a lower likelihood of liver-related death. The research, which drew on data from more than 350,000 participants in the UK Biobank, tracked individuals over a 13-year period, none of whom had cirrhosis or liver cancer at the outset.
The findings indicate that those who drank five or more cups of coffee per day had a 32% lower risk of cirrhosis, a 47% lower risk of liver cancer, and a 42% reduction in liver-related deaths compared to non-coffee drinkers. Even moderate consumption—one to two cups daily—was linked to significantly lower risks. The strongest association was observed at around three to four cups per day.
Decaf Offers Similar Benefits
Importantly, the study found that both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee showed similar associations, suggesting that the protective effects are not solely due to caffeine. This aligns with earlier research indicating that coffee contains numerous bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols and antioxidants, which may reduce inflammation and fibrosis in the liver.
Participants who drank more coffee also had lower levels of liver fat, iron, fibrosis, and inflammation markers. Blood tests revealed higher levels of proteins associated with healthy liver function and lower levels of those linked to scarring and inflammation. Study senior author Ju Dong Yang noted that the findings support moderate coffee consumption for those who already enjoy it, but cautioned against starting coffee solely for liver protection based on this study alone.
According to co-author Shelly Lu, coffee appears to affect liver health through pathways involving inflammation and scarring, pointing to targets for future research to explore which individuals might benefit most. The study adds to a growing body of evidence linking coffee to liver health, a particularly relevant topic given that liver disease accounts for two million deaths annually worldwide—about 4% of the global total—with roughly two-thirds of those fatalities occurring in men.
While the study is observational and cannot establish causation, its large sample size and long follow-up period lend weight to the findings. The researchers adjusted for factors such as age, sex, body mass index, alcohol intake, and smoking, though they acknowledge that residual confounding may still exist.
For context, a 2023 study highlighted that liver disease remains a significant public health challenge across Europe, with rising rates of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease linked to obesity and sedentary lifestyles. In countries like Germany, France, and the United Kingdom, public health campaigns have increasingly emphasized the importance of diet and exercise in preventing liver conditions.
Don Yang emphasized that prevention should continue to focus on maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol intake, exercising regularly, and managing blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol. He also noted that high caffeine consumption can cause side effects such as increased heart rate, palpitations, high blood pressure, anxiety, and sleep disruptions, so moderation remains key.
The study’s findings are particularly timely as Europe grapples with the health impacts of lifestyle-related diseases. While coffee is no substitute for a balanced lifestyle, it may offer a simple, accessible way to support liver health for those who already drink it. As research continues, the potential mechanisms behind coffee’s protective effects could inform new strategies for preventing and treating liver disease.
