Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common health issue affecting 10-20% of people in the US and can lead to liver damage and impaired liver function. However, there are various steps individuals can take to prevent the harmful effects of NAFLD, such as lowering cholesterol, avoiding alcohol, and managing weight. According to a recent study sponsored by the Institute for Scientific Information on Coffee (ISIC) and published in Nutrients, drinking coffee regularly can also help protect against liver disease.
The study included 156 middle-aged adults who were borderline obese, and 98 of them had type-2 diabetes (T2D). The researchers, led by senior researcher John Griffith Jones, Ph.D., from the University of Coimbra in Portugal, explained that the risk factors for NAFLD and T2D overlap significantly and include obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, insulin resistance, and inflammation of both liver and adipose tissues. The study's findings suggest that incorporating coffee into one's daily routine may be another way to potentially prevent liver disease.
During the study, participants' body measurements were recorded, and they underwent liver scans, as well as providing blood and urine samples. They also filled out questionnaires and logs to track their caffeine intake from coffee and other beverages and foods.
The data revealed that coffee metabolites could potentially help prevent NAFLD from worsening, with the researchers stating that "higher cumulative amounts of both caffeine and non-caffeine metabolites measured in a 24-hour urine collection are associated with a less severe NAFLD profile." However, the exact mechanisms by which coffee helps prevent NAFLD are still not fully understood, and more research is required.
According to Adil Maqbool, MD, a peer-reviewer at the Lancet Journal and a member of the research team at Toho University in Japan, some studies suggest that coffee consumption can improve insulin sensitivity, reduce inflammation, and decrease oxidative stress, which are all factors associated with NAFLD development. Maqbool recommends that people focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and regular exercise to prevent NAFLD, while those with type-2 diabetes should work closely with their healthcare team to manage their condition and prevent complications.