Can more than 2 cups of coffee a day prevent people dying of liver disease?

20th October 2020

Deaths from liver disease represent 2 deaths in 100 people. Liver cancer (caused by liver disease) is the third most common cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Though the liver is able to regenerate and replace itself, it can become so damaged that the harm cannot be reversed. It plays a crucial role in our bodies, so it’s important to look after it.

It has been known for some time that drinking coffee appears to provide some protection against liver disease, but a recent study explored whether drinking cups of coffee could actually reduce liver disease deaths.

The study reviewed coffee consumption and rates of liver disease deaths in countries around the world. It discovered that in countries where more than 2 cups of coffee were consumed, the numbers of deaths from liver disease averted could possibly be 7.8 per 100,000 people, in one year.

Whilst this study compared worldwide datasets and showed fewer deaths with increased coffee consumption, it does not suggest what the ‘protective factor’ is in coffee, or how long someone needs to drink it for them to gain a benefit. Further research is needed to see if drinking more than two cups of coffee a day in the UK results in a true reduction in the number of people dying from liver disease.

This interesting study will pave the way for further exciting research, which will aim to identify the exact component of coffee that our livers love, hoping to improve the available treatments for liver disease.

Discover more:

  • twitter
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • youtube
  • tiktok
  • instagram

Read more posts...

Shortage of Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement Therapy (PERT)

At Guts UK, some members of our community rely on prescription pancreatic enzymes (Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement Therapy, PERT) to help them properly digest the food they eat. When your pancreas doesn’t produce enough enzymes to...

28th November 2023

How your donation helps the UK get to grips with guts!

Guts UK has three charitable objectives: Provide expert information to patients Raise awareness of digestive health Fund research into the digestive system from top to tail; the gut, liver and pancreas How every £1 you...

1st November 2023

The World’s First Diverticular Disease Awareness Week!

This week (2nd-8th October) is the World’s First Diverticular Disease Awareness Week! Have you heard of it? Diverticular disease affects 1 in 3, increasing to 1 in 2 people during their lifetime. Diverticula are permanent...

2nd October 2023