Gut microbiome research finds coffee boosts protective bacteria and gut‑liver link worsens fatty liver

A large observational study of more than 28,000 people found that coffee consumption is associated with a markedly higher abundance of the gut bacterium Lawsonibacter, which produces the short‑chain fatty acid butyrate. Butyrate supports colon cell energy, reinforces the intestinal barrier and has anti‑inflammatory effects. The association held for both regular and decaffeinated coffee, suggesting that coffee compounds other than caffeine drive the benefit.

Separate research on the gut‑liver axis identified an overgrowth of Clostridium perfringens in patients with metabolically‑driven fatty liver disease (MASH). This bacterium generates ammonia, weakening the intestinal barrier and allowing inflammatory signals to reach the liver, where they activate CD8⁺ T‑cells and increase CCL5‑mediated damage. In animal models, the peptide‑based compound DT‑109 reduced C. perfringens levels, lowered intestinal ammonia, restored barrier integrity and attenuated liver inflammation, indicating a potential therapeutic route focused on the intestine.