Drinking coffee may reduce the risk of liver cirrhosis

Regular consumption of coffee could reduce the risk of liver cirrhosis, in a study by the University of Southampton.

Cirrhosis is a scarred liver as a result of long term and persistent injury from toxins like alcohol and viruses like hepatitis C. It can be fatal due to an increased risk of liver failure and cancer.

Researchers conducted a meta-analysis of nine long-term studies involving half a million men and women, and found that an extra two cups of coffee per day may reduce the risk of cirrhosis by 44 per cent, and it may nearly halve the risk of dying from cirrhosis.

The study was published in the science journal Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics.

In it the researchers said that in the context of liver disease, coffee appears to confer a number of protective effects.

“Coffee appeared to protect against cirrhosis,” said Dr Oliver Kennedy, of the University of Southampton, who led the study.

“This could be an important finding for patients at risk of cirrhosis to help to improve their health outcomes. However, we now need robust clinical trials to investigate the wider benefits and harms of coffee so that doctors can make specific recommendations to patients.”