Liver at Risk: How Sugary and Diet Sodas Are Linked to Disease Risk

Liver at Risk: How Sugary and Diet Sodas Are Linked to Disease Risk

Sweet sodas, as well as their “diet” counterparts, can pose a significant threat to liver health. A new study has found a link between regular consumption of these drinks and an increased risk of developing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), even among people of normal weight.

Scientists from the Harvard School of Public Health conducted a large-scale health observation of more than 98,000 American adults over 30 years. The results showed that those who drank at least one serving of sugary or diet soda daily had a 17% higher risk of developing chronic liver disease. This applies to both drinks with added sugar and those with sugar substitutes.

In particular, among women who drank sugary drinks daily, the risk of dying from chronic liver disease was twice as high compared to those who drank them less than once a month. This is a worrying sign that these drinks may play a role in the development of NAFLD, a condition that can progress to cirrhosis or even liver cancer.

Interestingly, it’s not just drinks with added sugar, but also those labeled as “diet” or “calorie-free” that have been shown to have a negative impact. The study authors suggest that artificial sweeteners may affect the gut microbiome, metabolism, and insulin sensitivity, which in turn contributes to inflammation in the liver.

While researchers can’t say for sure that soda directly causes liver disease, the link is a cause for serious concern. They emphasize that drinking water or beverages without added sweeteners remains the best choice for maintaining liver health.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease currently affects up to 30% of adults in the United States and is becoming more common worldwide. This makes the problem particularly relevant, and the results of new research are important for reviewing habitual eating habits.