One can of diet soft drink a day ups risk of liver disease by 60pc, study finds

""Sugar sweetened beverages [SSBs] have long been under scrutiny, while their 'diet' alternatives are often seen as the healthier choice," said lead study author Lihe Liu, a graduate student in the department of gastroenterology at the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, in Suzhou, China. However, the study rebuffs this notion as "even a single can per day" of artificially sweetened drink was linked to a higher risk of liver disease, Liu said."

"Over the 10-year follow up, 1,178 participants developed MASLD and 108 died from liver-related causes. Consuming artificially sweetened drinks was linked to a higher risk of dying from liver disease. In sugary drinks, the higher sugar content "can cause rapid spikes in blood glucose and insulin, promote weight gain and increase uric acid levels, all of which contribute to liver fat accumulation," Liu said."

"Affecting over 30pc of people globally, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a condition where fat builds up in the liver. The research, presented at the United European Gastroenterology Week in Berlin, examines the impact of sugary versus non-sugary beverages. The safest approach is to limit both sugar-sweetened and artificially sweetened drinks Researchers found that consuming SSBs increased the risk of MASLD by 50pc, while low or non-sugar-sweetened beverages (LNSSBs) increased the risk by 60pc."

123,788 UK Biobank participants without liver disease were followed for 10 years with beverage intake measured by repeated 24-hour dietary questionnaires. Consuming sugar-sweetened beverages increased metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) risk by 50%, while low or non-sugar-sweetened beverages (LNSSBs) increased risk by 60%. Over 10 years, 1,178 participants developed MASLD and 108 died from liver-related causes. Consumption of artificially sweetened drinks was associated with higher liver-related mortality. High sugar intake causes rapid blood glucose and insulin spikes, weight gain, and increased uric acid. Artificial sweeteners can alter the gut microbiome, disrupt satiety, and drive sweet cravings. Limiting both beverage types is advised.

Read at Irish Independent