The ongoing debate about the health risks of sugary and diet sodas has just gained another dimension. A new study has found that consuming even a modest amount of soda—whether diet or regular—may increase the risk of liver disease. The research points to a potential connection between both sugar-sweetened and low or non-sugar-sweetened beverages and the development of a liver condition called Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD).
MASLD is a condition characterized by fat accumulation in the liver that is not caused by alcohol consumption. While the condition is often asymptomatic in the early stages, it can progress and lead to severe liver damage or increase the risk of other health complications, such as cardiovascular disease. The findings of this recent study highlight the potentially harmful effects of both types of sodas and underscore the importance of healthier beverage choices to prevent liver-related diseases.
The Link Between Soda Consumption and Liver Health
The study, which analyzed data from over 103,000 participants, provides troubling insights into how regularly consuming either regular or diet sodas can impact liver health. The study found that consuming just over one can of soda—whether sugary or artificially sweetened—daily was associated with an increased risk of developing MASLD.
Specifically, people who drank more than 330 grams (roughly one can) of either type of soda per day had a significantly higher risk for liver disease. Sugar-sweetened sodas were linked to about a 50% greater risk of MASLD, while low or non-sugar-sweetened sodas (LNSSBs) were associated with a 60% higher risk. Additionally, the study found that regular consumption of both types of beverages was linked to increased liver fat content, further exacerbating liver health risks.
While the study did not find a significant connection between sugar-sweetened sodas and liver-related mortality, the association between LNSSBs and liver-related deaths was more pronounced. The results also indicated that the risk of liver-related mortality increased in a dose-dependent manner—the more LNSSBs a person consumed, the higher the risk for liver-related death.
A Growing Concern for Liver Disease
MASLD has been recognized as a serious public health concern due to its growing prevalence. It is currently one of the most common causes of liver disease worldwide. Previous studies have suggested that obesity, diabetes, and poor diet play significant roles in the development of MASLD, and this latest research supports those findings by linking unhealthy drink choices to an increased risk of liver fat buildup.
The study’s findings highlight a disturbing trend in both regular and diet soda consumption. People often choose diet sodas as a healthier alternative to sugary drinks, but this new research challenges that assumption. The study revealed that, while diet sodas may reduce calorie intake, they are not immune to causing liver issues. The artificial sweeteners used in LNSSBs may be contributing to liver dysfunction in ways that are not yet fully understood.
How Water Can Help Prevent Liver Disease
In light of these findings, one of the most straightforward recommendations emerging from the study is the substitution of sodas with water. The research found that replacing just 330 grams (roughly one can) of soda per day with water helped reduce the risk of MASLD by about 14.7%. This reduction was particularly significant when replacing sugar-sweetened sodas with water.
However, swapping sodas for each other (i.e., swapping a diet soda for a regular one or vice versa) did not appear to have any significant impact on the risk for MASLD. This further reinforces the idea that both types of soda can contribute to liver health issues, and that water is the healthiest beverage option when it comes to maintaining good liver health.
Dr. Lihe Liu, a graduate student at the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University in Suzhou, China, and the study’s lead author, explained to Medical News Today that the research challenges the widely held belief that low or non-sugar-sweetened beverages are a risk-free alternative to sugary drinks. “Our research shows that low- or non-sugar-sweetened beverages, often seen as healthier alternatives because they use sugar substitutes, may not be entirely risk-free,” Liu said. “We found that frequent consumption was still linked with liver health risks, which challenges the common belief that these drinks are completely ‘safe’ or ‘healthy’ substitutes for sugary beverages.”
Study Limitations and Further Research
While the results of this study raise important questions about the safety of both sugary and artificially sweetened beverages, it is important to note that the full study has not yet been peer-reviewed. As with any research, there are limitations to consider. One potential limitation is that the data on beverage intake was self-reported, which could introduce bias or inaccuracies. Participants may not have accurately recalled or reported their soda consumption, which could affect the study’s conclusions.
Additionally, while the research indicates a correlation between soda consumption and liver disease, it does not prove causation. It is also unclear which other factors—such as lifestyle choices, diet, and genetics—may contribute to the observed association. Future studies that involve more diverse populations, as well as long-term follow-up, will be necessary to confirm the findings and explore the underlying mechanisms linking soda consumption to liver health.
Clinical Implications and Health Recommendations
Despite the limitations, the findings of this study have important clinical implications, particularly when it comes to dietary recommendations. For individuals at risk for liver disease or those looking to maintain better overall health, cutting back on soda consumption—whether diet or regular—should be a priority. Healthcare providers may want to educate patients about the risks associated with both types of sodas and encourage healthier beverage choices.
Karen Z. Berg, MS, RD, CSO, CDN, a registered dietitian nutritionist not involved in the study, advised that patients avoid the misconception that diet drinks are a healthier option. “This study demonstrates how both sugary and artificially sweetened drinks are positively associated with MASLD,” she said. “I highly encourage all patients to stick with water, or carbonated water, for the best health outcomes. Just because something says ‘zero calories’ or ‘less sugar’ does not automatically equate with being healthier.”
Looking Ahead: More Research Needed
As Dr. Liu and other researchers noted, additional studies are necessary to fully understand the biological mechanisms behind the association between artificially sweetened beverages and liver disease. It is also important to investigate whether different types of artificial sweeteners carry different risks for liver health. Furthermore, future research should include more diverse populations to ensure the findings are generalizable to the broader population.
The next step for the research team is to complete and submit the full manuscript for peer review, which will allow the scientific community to scrutinize the study’s methods and conclusions. In the meantime, the message is clear: while both regular and diet sodas may seem like harmless treats, their potential impact on liver health is significant enough to warrant serious consideration.
In conclusion, this study serves as a reminder that both sugary and artificially sweetened beverages may pose risks to liver health. The safest and healthiest beverage option remains water, which can help reduce the risk of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease and other health complications. As we continue to learn more about the effects of our diet on liver health, making healthier choices—like choosing water over soda—may be one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect our liver and overall health.
