Association between caffeine and decreased liver fibrosis risk in patients with different glucose metabolism status

Abstract

Background and aims

To investigate the prevalence of liver fibrosis, and the association between caffeine intake and fibrosis in populations with different glucose metabolism status.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2005-March 2020). Of the 39,221 adult individuals with no missed necessary laboratory results, a total of 23,711 eligible individuals were included in the study. Individuals were divided into T2DM, prediabetes, and diabetes-free groups. Fibrosis-4 index was calculated to evaluate the risk of liver fibrosis. Caffeine intake was obtained through a 24-hour dietary recall.

Results

The mean ± SE age of prediabetes group was 53 ± 0.4 years, and in type 2 diabetes mellitus group, the individuals have a mean ± SE age of 62 ± 0.3 years. The participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus had significantly higher risk of liver fibrosis than those with prediabetes or normal glucose tolerance (5·9% vs. 3·2% vs. 2·5%, P < 0.001). Compared to individuals with daily caffeine intake < 78 mg, individuals with daily caffeine intake ≥ 78 mg had significantly lower risk of liver fibrosis in all subgroups (odds ratio: diabetes-free group: 0.698[0.577–0.846]; prediabetes group: 0·553[0·397-0·769]; type 2 diabetes mellitus group: 0·720[0·556-0·933]; all P < 0·05).

Conclusions

Prevalence of liver fibrosis is high in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and prediabetes. It is indicated that individuals with prediabetes should also be screened for fibrosis. Caffeine intake ≥ 78 mg per day is associated with a lower risk of liver fibrosis.