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The following is a summary of “Caffeine intake associated with a lower risk of liver fibrosis in different glucose status,” published in the February 2025 issue of Journal of Advanced Research by Han et al. 

Researchers conducted a retrospective study to analyze the prevalence of liver fibrosis and the relationship between caffeine intake and fibrosis in populations with varying glucose metabolism status.  

They utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) (2005–March 2020). Among 39,221 adults with complete laboratory results, 23,711 eligible individuals were included. Individuals were categorized into type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), prediabetes, and diabetes-free groups. The Fibrosis-4 index was calculated to assess liver fibrosis risk and caffeine intake was recorded through a 24-hour dietary recall.  

The results showed the mean ± SE age was 53 ± 0.4 years in the prediabetes group and 62 ± 0.3 years in the T2DM group. The risk of liver fibrosis was significantly higher in individuals with T2DM compared to those with prediabetes or normal glucose tolerance (5.9% vs. 3.2% vs. 2.5%, P < 0.001). Individuals with daily caffeine intake ≥78 mg had a significantly lower risk of liver fibrosis compared to those consuming <78 mg across all subgroups (odds ratio: diabetes-free group: 0.698 [0.577–0.846]; prediabetes group: 0.553 [0.397–0.769]; T2DM group: 0.720 [0.556–0.933]; all P < 0.05).  

Investigators concluded that liver fibrosis prevalence was high in T2DM and prediabetes, suggesting prediabetes screening, and that caffeine intake of at least 78 mg/day was associated with reduced fibrosis risk. 

Source: sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2090123225000761