Wouldn’t you rather choose a non-mushy drink instead of a regular one? Well, you are not alone. Most people assume that zero sugar is good for your health, especially your liver.A major new study examined the effects of artificially sweetened beverages on the liver. The study was presented in that UEG Week 2025 earlier this week.
artificially sweetened and low or merciless drink Does it affect the liver?
Liver disease is on the rise. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, now known as metabolic dysfunction-related steroid liver disease (MASLD), is a major contributor. The disease is becoming increasingly common in young people, and lifestyle factors, including diet, play a role. Recent studies have linked artificially sweetened and sugary beverages to an increased risk of liver disease. This study found that sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBS) and low-sugar or non-sugar sweetened beverages (LNSSBS) were associated with an increased risk of developing metabolic dysfunction-related steroid liver disease.
What is masld?
Formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), this condition causes fat to build up in the liver. Over time, this can cause inflammation (hepatitis) and symptoms such as pain, fatigue, and loss. appetite. The disease has emerged as a global health burden since it was recognized as the most common chronic liver disease, with experts estimating that it affects more than 30% of people worldwide and is a rapidly growing cause of liver disease. liver-related deaths.
research
To understand the impact of artificially sweetened and low-potency drinks on the liver, researchers followed 123,788 people from the UK Biobank without liver disease at baseline. Their beverage consumption was assessed using a repeated 24-hour dietary questionnaire. Researchers then examined the association between SSB and LNSSB consumption and the risk of developing MASLD, liver fat accumulation, and liver-related mortality.They found that high intakes of LNSBS and SSBS (250 g per day) were associated with a 60% (HR: 1.599) and 50% (HR: 1.469) increased risk of developing MASLD, respectively. After a median follow-up of 10.3 years, 1,178 participants developed MASLD and 108 died from liver-related causes. They also found something more noticeable. Although there was no significant association for SSBs, LNSSB consumption was additionally linked to a higher risk of liver-related mortality. Both beverage types were also positively associated with higher liver fat content.
What are the experts saying?
“SSBs have long been under investigation, but their ‘diet’ alternatives are often seen as healthier choices. However, both are widely consumed and their effects on liver health are not well understood,” says Lihe Liu. “Our study found that LNSSB was actually associated with a higher risk of MASLD, even at modest consumption levels, such as a single can. These results challenge the common perception that these beverages are harmless and highlight the need to rethink their role in diet and liver health, especially as MASLD has emerged as a global health problem,” Liu added. LIU also notes that a potential biological mechanism that could underlie the observed risk is that “the higher sugar content of SSBs may cause rapid spikes in blood sugar and insulin, promote weight gain, and increase uric acid levels, all of which may contribute to liver fat accumulation.” On the other hand, LNSSB may affect liver health by altering the gut microbiome, interfering with feelings of fullness, triggering sweet cravings, and stimulating insulin secretion.‘Replacing the beverage with water significantly reduced the risk of MASLD by 12.8% for SSBs and 15.2% for LNSSBs, the researchers said, adding that substitution between the two types of beverages did not provide a risk reduction.“The safest approach is to limit sugar-sweetened and artificially sweetened beverages. Water remains the best choice for hydrating the body by removing metabolic burden and preventing fat accumulation in the liver,” says Liu.
