Caffeine’s Effect on Those With Hepatitis/Liver Disease
Caffeine is present in coffee, tea, chocolate, cola, and some over-the-counter medications. Caffeine is metabolized through the liver. However, caffeine itself is not directly harmful to the liver. In fact, one study even suggested that coffee, but not other caffeine containing drinks, may delay progression of liver disease to cirrhosis. (This result has not been substantiated by other studies). In moderation (one to two cups of a caffeine-containing beverage per day), caffeine may suppress the fatigue associated with liver disease to some extent. However, higher amounts of caffeine may cause irritability, restlessness, and insomnia. Some people may experience a rapid heartbeat and/or palpitations from caffeine consumption. Excessive intake of caffeine may put people with chronic liver disease at increased risk for osteoporosis and bone fractures. And, in people with cirrhosis, the metabolism of caffeine is slowed, resulting in higher concentrations of caffeine in the blood. Thus, people with cirrhosis should limit their caffeine intake to one cup of coffee or tea per day. In fact, it is best for all people with liver disease to consume caffeine in moderation. This is especially important for people taking interferon, as this medication may, by itself, cause symptoms similar to those caused by caffeine.
Of interest, is that a recent study has suggested that caffeine may in fact be advantageous to people with liver disease. However, further study will need to be conducted to prove this issue.
All contents of this article are Copyright © Melissa Palmer, MD
Melissa Palmer, MD is the author of " Dr. Melissa Palmer's Guide of Hepatitis and Liver Disease". (Published 2004. Penguin Putnam).
Dr. Palmer is an internationally renowned hepatologist who has been practicing medicine since 1985. Prior to 2012, she maintained perhaps the largest medical practice devoted to liver disease in the United States. Dr. Palmer is Clinical Professor of Medicine at New York University Medical Center. Dr. Palmer graduated from Columbia University with a B.A. and was trained in hepatology (as well as medical school) at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City.
Dr. Palmer is Board Certified in Gastroenterology and in Internal Medicine.
She has authored numerous scientific publications in the field of hepatology in such peer-reviewed journals as Hepatology, Gastroenterology, Seminars of Liver Disease, Transplantation and Archives of Internal Medicine.
She is frequently called upon by the media for her opinion on various topics related to liver disease. Dr. Palmer has appeared many times on television as a liver disease expert and has been quoted in such publications as TIME magazine, Cosmopolitan magazine, Prevention magazine, the Los Angeles Times, and Newsday. She also has appeared in numerous videos and CD-Roms aimed at educating doctors and the public about hepatitis C and other liver diseases, such as primary biliary cirrhosis. Dr. Palmer lectures to the medical and general public on liver disease-related topics on a regular basis.
Dr. Palmer has performed numerous clinical trials on various experimental medications for the treatment of hepatitis.
Dr. Palmer is currently available for lecturing, investor and hedge-fund consultations, consultations to industry, and media interviews and appearances-- including television. For such matters, she can be contacted through hepatitismedia@gmail.com.
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