Daily Diet Drink Consumption Linked to Higher Fatty Liver Disease Risk
A major new study reveals that daily consumption of diet or sugar-free beverages increases the risk of fatty liver disease by 60%, surpassing sugary drinks.
A comprehensive new study presented at a European gastroenterology congress reveals a concerning link between daily consumption of diet and sugar-free beverages and an increased risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (MASLD). Surprisingly, the risk associated with low-sugar or sugar-free drinks was even higher than that of sugary beverages.
Findings of the Decade-Long Study
Researchers analyzed data from more than 103,000 individuals over a ten-year period. They found that a daily intake of approximately 260 milliliters (about a quarter and a cup) of any beverage other than water is linked to an elevated risk of fatty liver disease. While sugar-sweetened drinks increased the risk by 50 percent, low-sugar or sugar-free beverages spiked the risk by 60 percent. Conversely, replacing these drinks with water reduced the risk by about 14 percent.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease occurs when fat accumulates in the liver, potentially leading to severe scarring, end-stage liver disease, and a higher risk of heart disease and diabetes. In fact, heart disease is the leading cause of mortality among individuals with fatty liver disease, making the understanding of dietary risk factors critical for prevention.
Why Diet Drinks May Harm the Liver
Researchers hypothesize that artificial sweeteners may negatively impact the liver by altering gut microbiota composition, interfering with satiety signals, and tricking the body into releasing insulin as if sugar had been consumed. Over time, this response can lead to insulin resistance, a condition that promotes fat accumulation in the liver. Additionally, individuals consuming diet beverages may inadvertently compensate by eating less healthy foods.
Experts emphasize that the primary risk stems from daily consumption, while an occasional drink is likely harmless. The central recommendation is to prioritize water as the primary beverage and treat other drinks, including those marketed as healthy, as an occasional indulgence rather than a regular habit.
