A recent, as-yet-unpublished study suggests that daily consumption of both diet soda and sugary beverages may significantly raise the risk of developing Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), also known as Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD).
The research found:
- Drinking just one can of diet soda per day was linked to a 60% increased risk of NAFLD/MASLD.
- Drinking one sugary beverage daily was associated with a 50% increased risk.
The study's abstract also suggested a link between diet beverage consumption and a higher risk of death from liver disease.
What is NAFLD/MASLD?
NAFLD/MASLD is a common condition where fat builds up in the liver, even in people who drink little to no alcohol. This damage can mimic the effects seen in heavy drinkers and may lead to serious complications such as
- Cirrhosis (advanced liver scarring)
- Liver cancer (it is a leading cause)
The condition is a growing concern, estimated to affect about 38% of the U.S. population—a 50% increase over the last three decades.
Challenging the "Healthier Choice" Perception
"Sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) have long been under scrutiny, while their 'diet' alternatives are often seen as the healthier choice," said lead study author Lihe Liu from Soochow University in China.
However, Liu noted that their study "shows that LNSSBs (low- or non-sugar-sweetened beverages) were actually linked to a higher risk of MASLD, even at modest intake levels such as a single can per day."
These findings, presented at the United European Gastroenterology Week, "challenge the common perception that these drinks are harmless and highlight the need to reconsider their role in diet and liver health," Liu stated.
Study Details and Expert Commentary
The prospective study followed nearly 124,000 people without existing liver disease from the UK Biobank over a 10-year period.
The researchers also found that substituting water for these sweetened drinks significantly reduced risk:
- Replacing sugary beverages with water reduced risk by nearly 13%.
- Replacing diet drinks with water reduced risk by over 15%.
Critically, switching from sugary drinks to diet drinks (or vice versa) did not lower the risk.
Dr. Sajid Jalil, a clinical associate professor of gastroenterology and hepatology at Stanford University School of Medicine (who was not involved in the research), praised the study's strength.
How Sweetened Drinks May Cause Harm
The study suggests different mechanisms are at play for each type of beverage:
| Beverage Type | Potential Mechanism of Harm |
| Sugary Beverages | High sugar content leads to rapid spikes in blood glucose and insulin, which promotes weight gain and drives fat accumulation in the liver. |
| Diet Beverages | May affect liver health by changing the gut microbiome, interfering with feelings of fullness, increasing preference for sweet foods, and even stimulating insulin secretion. |
Liu’s concluding message emphasized that water is the healthiest choice, as it "hydrates the body without affecting metabolism, helps with satiety, and supports overall metabolic function."
Disclaimer: This content is published only for health awareness and informational purposes. It's not a substitute for your professional medical advice. You must consult a doctor/healthcare professional regarding your specific health concerns.
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