For patients infected with the Hepatitis C virus (HCV), drinking about two cups of coffee each day might help them lessen the severity of fibrosis. The study, published in the journal, Hepatology, determined that 308 mg of caffeine (the equivalent of about 2 1/4 cups of coffee) did the trick, though interestingly enough, other sources of caffeine were not as effective.

Previous studies have looked at modifiable behaviors in order to slow the progression of liver disease, including coffee consumption. In fact, a number of benefits regarding coffee intake and liver disease have been found, including a lower incidence of chronic liver disease, reduced risk for liver cancer, and increased survival from cirrhosis complications.

The current study, however, focused on caffeine, rather than coffee, and its influence, if any, on liver fibrosis. Over the course of 2 1/2 years, people were monitored for their frequency of caffeine consumption as well as the sources by which they obtained it, which included energy drinks, teas, cocoa, caffeine pills, medication, and coffee. The most common form of caffeine was coffee, followed by soft drinks and black tea. Over a 6 month period, the source of caffeine was found to be consistent.

What they found was that for each increase in caffeine consumption of 67 mg (about 1 1/2 cups of coffee), there was a decrease in the odds of advanced fibrosis in HCV patients by 14%. The authors indicated that the most beneficial effect required the consumption of a little more than two cups of coffee each day.

The researchers then tested caffeine sources other than coffee, including soft drinks and tea, and found that they were not associated with reduced fibrosis. The results, however, could have been a statistical by-product of the small sample size, and the authors stressed the need for more work to be done before any conclusions can be made.

Liver fibrosis can stem from all forms of chronic liver disease and is characterized by the accumulation of tough, fibrous scar tissue in the liver. Over time, it can lead to cirrhosis, whereby the blood flow is so disrupted that the liver ceases to function properly. This, in turn, can lead to liver failure and cancer. Historically, the two most significant causes were alcoholism and chronic viral hepatitis B (CHB). Recently, however, two new source of fibrosis have grown in prominence: non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which stems from obesity, and chronic hepatitis C (CHC), which is caused by HCV.

HCV is transmitted through the exchange of blood, which include sharing of needles and infected blood products. The worldwide prevalence of hepatitis C, which is caused by HCV, is estimated to be around 200 million people. Cirrhosis and liver cancer are top ten causes of death worldwide, and in industrialized countries, liver disease is one of the top five causes of death for middle aged people.

If you are concerned about liver disease, talk to you doctor, and for more information, check out the site for the National Institutes of Health.