Consuming coffee is associated with a significantly lower risk of developing liver cancer and dying from liver disease, according to an analysis of data from over 350,000 adults. The study, published in the journal Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, suggests that drinking five or more cups of coffee daily could reduce the risk of liver cancer by 50% compared to non-coffee drinkers.
Participants who drank five or more cups daily were also approximately one-third less likely to develop cirrhosis, a severe form of liver damage. The study tracked the coffee consumption habits of 354,957 adults for about 13 years. Coffee intake, including the use of sugar and artificial sweeteners, was self-reported by participants at the study's commencement and again during liver scan assessments.
Advanced MRI scans revealed that coffee drinkers exhibited less fat in and around the liver, a key indicator of liver disease. They also showed lower levels of inflammation and scarring-related biomarkers, alongside healthier liver protein profiles.
Benefits Observed Across Consumption Levels
Even those who consumed one to two cups of coffee daily demonstrated a significantly lower likelihood of developing cirrhosis and experiencing liver-related mortality compared to non-drinkers. The researchers noted that the beneficial effects on liver health appeared to extend to individuals who drank decaffeinated coffee and even those who added sweeteners.
"Our results show that common preparation habits do not negate coffee's beneficial biological effects, proving the most comprehensive assessment to date of long-term coffee consumption and liver health," said Dr. Hyunseok Kim, a transplant hepatologist and lead author of the study. The study concluded that "Given coffee's wide availability, safety and affordability, promoting moderate unsweetened coffee consumption could represent a simple, scalable strategy for liver disease prevention."
Broader Context on Liver Health
Previous research has also indicated a protective effect of coffee against liver disease. A 2025 study found that administering 400mg of caffeine daily to patients with cirrhosis improved their liver function. An older review by the British Liver Trust suggested that regular, moderate consumption of coffee, whether caffeinated or decaffeinated, may help prevent liver cancer.
While the exact mechanisms are still under investigation, it is believed that coffee's potent combination of bioactive compounds and antioxidants may contribute to its anti-inflammatory effects, thereby reducing and preventing scar tissue formation in the liver. Experts acknowledge potential bias in self-reported consumption data but emphasize the consistency of findings across multiple studies.
It is important to note that health guidelines advise moderation. The NHS recommends limiting intake to no more than four cups per day, as excessive consumption can increase blood pressure. Pregnant women are advised to consume no more than 200mg of caffeine daily to minimize miscarriage risk.
Conversely, sugar-sweetened beverages have been linked to an increased risk of liver cancer, with some research suggesting that each additional sugar-sweetened drink per day raises the risk of certain liver cancers by 15%.
Liver cancer is a growing concern, being the fastest-rising cause of cancer-related deaths in the UK. Cirrhosis is a precursor to many liver cancer cases. Liver disease, often called a "silent killer" due to its subtle early symptoms, claims over 12,000 lives annually and is a leading cause of premature death in working-age individuals. While historically associated with heavy alcohol consumption, cases are increasing in individuals who rarely or never drink alcohol, driven by factors such as obesity and type 2 diabetes, conditions that can lead to metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease.