Could Melbourne's favourite beverage be the answer?

Austin Health researchers think coffee could be a weapon in the fight against one of our biggest health problems - fatty liver disease (FLD).

Liver transplant physician Associate Professor Paul Gow, Senior Clinician (dietitian) Brooke Chapman and Hepatology Fellow Dr Zaid Ardalan are testing whether regular coffee consumption can treat fatty liver disease, which affects about one-in-three Australians.

FLD is as it sounds, a build-up of fat in the liver, largely caused by being overweight, a poor diet and inactivity.

Most people with the problem don't realise they have it which is a big concern as if left untreated it can cause liver cirrhosis, liver cancer and liver failure. It is also strongly predictive of future risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

The Austin Health team are carrying out a proof-of-concept study which aims to test whether three cups of coffee a day can reduce liver fat.

All of the people in the randomised controlled trial currently have FLD and none of them were coffee drinkers before embarking on the trial. Half consume coffee while on the trial and the remaining half are told not to drink coffee.

MRIs are used to test whether liver fat is reduced.

Assoc Prof Paul Gow says the first evidence that coffee could improve liver function emerged 30 years ago, when a study into heart disease revealed that regular coffee drinkers had healthier livers.

"There have been observational studies showing that coffee drinkers have a lower risk of cirrhosis, of liver cancer , and they have a lower risk of fatty liver disease," Associate Prof Gow said.

"There haven't been interventional studies for fatty liver disease. We want to prove that cause and effect."

Assoc Prof Gow says it would be hugely exciting if coffee is found to be effective as there are no medications or surgical treatments available for FLD. Currently doctors advise their patients to try and lose weight through improved diet and exercise but Assoc Prof Gow says most people find this impossible.

Results of the trial are expected to be available in the first quarter of 2018.