UK Biobank Study Finds Coffee Drinkers Had Lower Liver-Disease Risks but Cannot Prove Cause

A study published in the journal Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that participants who drank coffee showed lower risks of cirrhosis, liver cancer and liver-related death, Fox News reported. Researchers analyzed data from 354,957 UK Biobank participants with no history of cirrhosis or liver cancer at enrollment. They tracked the group for an average of 13 years.

Those who drank one to two cups daily had a 20% lower risk of cirrhosis and a 31% lower risk of liver-related mortality than non-drinkers. Individuals who drank five or more cups daily saw a 32% reduction in cirrhosis risk, a 42% lower risk of liver-related death and a 47% lower risk of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Additional imaging data from nearly 29,000 participants and blood samples from about 50,000 showed heavy coffee drinkers had lower liver fat, lower liver iron and lower odds of fibroinflammation.

Blood markers also indicated lower levels of proteins tied to inflammation and scarring along with higher levels of proteins supporting liver function. The protective associations held for both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee. Adding sugar or artificial sweeteners slightly reduced some benefits, especially on inflammation markers.

The study used self-reported dietary questionnaires and remains observational, establishing correlation rather than causation.