Title: Study Reveals Daily Sugary and “Diet” Drinks Linked to Increased Liver Disease Risk
Subheading: A decade-long study of over 120,000 people challenges the perception of “healthier” low-sugar alternatives, pointing to water as the optimal choice for metabolic health.
A major new study has found that consuming just one can of a sugar-sweetened or artificially sweetened beverage per day can significantly increase the risk of developing a common and serious liver condition.
The Research and Its Findings
The research, presented at the European Gastroenterology Conference in Berlin, tracked more than 123,000 UK participants with no pre-existing liver conditions for over a decade. Their beverage consumption was meticulously recorded through daily nutritional questionnaires.
Over the 10-year study period, 1,178 participants developed Metabolic dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. A further 108 individuals died from liver-related illnesses.
The results were striking. The study concluded that:
- Sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) increased the risk of developing MASLD by 50%.
- So-called “low- and no-sugar” beverages (LNSSBs) increased the risk by an even higher margin—60%.
- Artificially sweetened drinks were also linked to a higher probability of death from liver disease.
A Growing Global Health Challenge
MASLD occurs when fat builds up in the liver, potentially leading to inflammation, pain, fatigue, and loss of appetite. It is now recognized as a leading factor in cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and kidney problems.
A comprehensive 2025 study estimates that 38% of the global population lives with MASLD—a 50% increase compared to just two decades ago, underscoring its status as a major international public health issue.
Challenging Common Perceptions
Lead researcher Leah Liu addressed the common misconception about diet drinks, stating, “Sugar-sweetened beverages have long been under scrutiny, and their so-called diet alternatives are often perceived as healthier choices.” She added, “Our study indicates that low- and no-sugar drinks, even in small amounts like one can per day, are associated with a higher risk of MASLD. These findings challenge the common belief in the harmlessness of these beverages.”
How These Drinks Impact Liver Health
The study also detailed the mechanisms through which these beverages cause harm. Liu explained that the high sugar content in SSBs leads to rapid spikes in blood sugar and insulin, promotes weight gain, and increases uric acid levels—all factors that contribute to fat accumulation in the liver.
Regarding artificially sweetened drinks, Liu suggested they may impact liver health by altering gut microbiomes, disrupting the feeling of fullness, increasing cravings for sweet foods, and even stimulating insulin secretion.
Recommendations for Prevention
The research team strongly recommends replacing all sweetened beverages—both sugary and artificially sweetened—with water to reduce the risk of liver disease. Maintaining a healthy weight through regular physical activity and a balanced diet is also crucial.
“Drinking water remains the best option,” Liu affirmed. “It creates no metabolic burden, helps prevent fat accumulation in the liver, and keeps the body properly hydrated.”
Source: ISNA