Less Than One Can of Soda a Day Raises Your Risk of Deadly Liver Disease — and Diet Soda Is Worse

One can of soda raises risk of deadly liver disease

New research has found that drinking less than one can of soda a day increases your risk of developing metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Sugar-sweetened beverages increased the risk by 50%, while artificially sweetened beverages bumped the risk up to 60%.

The study, conducted at the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University in Suzhou, China, underscores the impact of even minimal soda consumption on liver health. This information was presented at UEG Week, a conference by United European Gastroenterology, highlighting the concerning link between soda intake and liver disease.

Less than one can of soda a day can raise your risk of developing a deadly liver disease, new research reveals, with even diet sodas exacerbating the risk. Individuals who consume as little as 250 grams of soda, equivalent to less than 9 ounces, are more prone to developing metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MALSD, previously known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease).

According to the study from the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, in Suzhou, China, standard soda cans contain 12 ounces, underscoring the risk associated with a relatively small intake. The findings were recently presented at UEG Week, a conference advocating for digestive health excellence.

Sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) were found to raise the risk of the disease by 50%, while low- or non-sugar-sweetened beverages (LNSSBs), such as diet sodas, were associated with a risk increase of up to 60%. Both types of beverages were linked to liver health implications, challenging the notion that these drinks are benign.

Lead author of the study, Lihe Liu, a graduate student in the department of gastroenterology, emphasised that the consumption of LNSSBs showed a notable association with a higher risk of MASLD, even at modest intake levels like one can per day. These insights prompt a reevaluation of the role of sugary and artificially sweetened beverages in diet and liver health.

The research by Liu and the team highlights the detrimental effects of sugar-sweetened drinks on blood glucose, insulin spikes, weight gain, and uric acid levels, all contributing to liver fat accumulation. Artificially sweetened beverages were noted to potentially impact liver health by altering the gut microbiome, disrupting fullness signals, triggering sweet cravings, and stimulating insulin secretion.

The study’s findings suggest a significant reduction in MASLD risk by replacing sugary or artificially sweetened drinks with water. It was observed that shifting from these beverages to water could decrease the risk by 12.8% and 15.2% respectively. Liu recommended limiting the consumption of both types of sweetened drinks, advocating for water as the optimal choice to alleviate metabolic strain and deter liver fat accumulation.

In conclusion, the study sheds light on the alarming correlation between soda consumption and the risk of developing a life-threatening liver condition. The findings emphasise the importance of reevaluating beverage choices and prioritising water intake for enhanced liver health and overall well-being.