Archive · 2 Oct 2026
Large 2026 Study Links Coffee Consumption With Better Liver Health
Researchers studied 354,957 people for about 13 years.
They found that people who drank more coffee tended to have fewer serious liver problems.
These included cirrhosis, liver cancer and death related to liver disease.
MRI scans also showed less liver fat and inflammation-related scarring.
This does not prove that coffee directly prevents these problems.
Scientists think compounds in coffee called polyphenols may help.
These compounds can have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
People should consult a health professional before changing their routine.
A 2026 study followed 354,957 people for about 13 years.
Higher coffee consumption was associated with a lower risk of cirrhosis.
The study also found associations with lower liver cancer risk and liver-related mortality.
MRI scans showed less liver fat and fibroinflammation among people drinking more coffee.
Experts suggest coffee’s polyphenols and other compounds, not only caffeine, may contribute to potential benefits.
- Who
- A study involving 354,957 people; Dr Sudhir Kumar reported its findings.
- What
- Higher coffee consumption was associated with lower risks of cirrhosis, liver cancer, liver-related mortality, liver fat and fibroinflammation.
- When
- The study was published in 2026 and followed participants for about 13 years.
- Where
- The study location was not specified; Dr Sudhir Kumar is associated with Apollo Hospitals in Hyderabad.
- Why
- Researchers and experts are examining whether coffee’s compounds, particularly polyphenols, may support liver health.
- Study year
- 2026
- Participants
- 354,957 people
- Follow-up
- About 13 years
- Lower-risk outcomes
- Cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma and liver-related mortality
- MRI findings
- Less liver fat and fibroinflammation associated with higher coffee consumption
- Potential compounds
- Polyphenols and other antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds
- Important limitation
- The findings show associations and do not establish that coffee directly prevents liver disease