Caffeine and paracetamol can harm liver

CONSUMING large amounts of caffeine while taking paracetamol could increase liver damage, according to a new study.

Scientists found that caffeine triples the amount of a toxic byproduct created when paracetamol is broken down.

The toxin is the same as the one responsible for liver damage and liver failure in toxic reactions involving alcohol and paracetamol.

Health experts have warned for years that drinking excess alcohol while taking paracetamol can trigger a toxic interaction and could cause liver failure or even death.

But this is the first time scientists have reported a potentially harmful interaction if the painkiller is taken with caffeine, according to the American researchers.

Their study, published in the ACS journal Chemical Research in Toxicology, suggests people taking paracetamol should limit the amount of coffee and energy drinks they drink.

One of its authors, chemist Sidney Nelson said: “People should be informed about this potentially harmful interaction.”

The study tested the effects of paracetamol and caffeine on E coli bacteria genetically engineered to express a key human enzyme in the liver that detoxifies many prescription and non-prescription drugs.

It was discovered that caffeine triples the amount of a toxic byproduct that the enzyme produces as it breaks down the drug.

Previous studies which showed high doses of caffeine can increase the severity of liver damage in rats with paracetamol-induced liver damage support this finding.

Certain groups of people are more vulnerable to the interaction than others.

These include those taking anti-epileptic medication or St John’s wort, because the products have been shown to boost levels of the enzyme involved.

People who drink a lot of alcohol are also at higher risk because alcohol can trigger the production of another enzyme that also produces the liver toxin.