[Getty Images Bank]
[Getty Images Bank]

Drinking three to four cups of coffee a day may significantly reduce the risk of liver diseases, including cirrhosis and liver cancer, according to new research.

A research team led by Kim Hyun-seok, a professor at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in the United States, published the findings in the latest issue of the international journal Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, the medical community reported Wednesday.

The team tracked 354,957 adults registered in the UK Biobank over an average of 13 years. All participants were free of liver conditions such as cirrhosis or liver cancer at the start of the study.

The analysis found that coffee drinkers generally faced a lower risk of liver disease. Those who drank one to two cups a day had a 20 percent lower risk of cirrhosis, a 24 percent lower risk of liver cancer and a 31 percent lower risk of dying from liver disease compared with non-drinkers.

Among those who drank three to four cups a day, the risk of both cirrhosis and liver cancer fell by 35 percent each, while the risk of liver disease-related death dropped by 41 percent. Those who consumed five or more cups daily also showed lower risks — 32 percent for cirrhosis, 47 percent for liver cancer and 42 percent for liver disease mortality.

A supplementary analysis of MRI data from about 29,000 participants yielded similar results. More frequent coffee drinkers showed less accumulation of fat and iron in the liver and lower cT1 values, a marker reflecting the degree of liver fibrosis and inflammation.

A proteomics analysis of about 44,600 participants further found that proteins associated with liver cell function tended to increase among coffee drinkers, while proteins that promote inflammation and fibrosis tended to decrease.

Notably, decaffeinated coffee produced similar effects. The team said polyphenols and other antioxidants, as well as various bioactive compounds beyond caffeine, may be responsible for the liver-protective benefits.

Coffee prepared with sugar, artificial sweeteners or heavily processed creamers showed somewhat weaker effects. Participants who drank coffee with additives had relatively higher liver inflammation markers than those who drank it black. The team advised that cutting back on additives would likely be beneficial for those who drink coffee.

However, the team said that because the study was observational, it cannot be concluded that coffee directly prevents liver disease. Coffee consumption was also assessed through self-reported questionnaires, leaving open the possibility of recall errors.

"Coffee can be a relatively easy healthy habit to adopt," Kim said, while cautioning that excessive caffeine intake can raise blood pressure and increase heart rate. "Around three cups of unsweetened coffee a day appears to be an appropriate level when both liver health and overall safety are taken into account," he added.


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