Coffee and Liver – Long Way To Go

Abstract

Background: Coffee consumption has been associated with reduced markers of hepatic cell damage, reduced risk of chronic liver disease, and cirrhosis across a variety of populations. Data on the association between coffee consumption and risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), especially in highrisk populations, are sparse. Methods: This study examines the relationship between coffee and caffeine consumption, and the risk of developing HCC within the Singapore Chinese Health Study, a prospective cohort of 63,257 middle-aged and older Chinese men and women, a relatively high-risk population for HCC. Baseline data on coffee consumption and other dietary and lifestyle factors were collected through in-person interviews at enrollment between 1993 and 1998. Results: As of 31 December 2006, 362 cohort participants had developed HCC. High-levels of coffee or caffeine consumption were associated with reduced risk of HCC (P for trend <0.05). Compared with nondrinkers of coffee, individuals who consumed three or more cups of coffee per day experienced a statistically significant 44% reduction in risk of HCC (hazard ratio 0.56, 95% confidence interval, 0.31-1.00, P = 0.049) after adjustment for potential confounders and tea consumption. Conclusion: These data suggest that coffee consumption may reduce the risk of developing HCC in Chinese in Singapore.

Caffeine in liver diseases: Pharmacology and toxicology

“…However, in recent years, an increasing number of interesting and controversial studies have stated that drinking caffeine can reduce the risk of various liver diseases, especially in alcoholics. Further research suggests that drinking more than two cups of coffee or tea per day significantly reduces the risk of chronic liver diseases in people at high risk of alcoholism, overweight, and diabetes ( Higdon and Frei, 2006 ; Duseja, 2012 ).…”