This everyday drink could raise your liver disease risk by 60%

"The study, which was recently presented at the 2025 United European Gastroenterology Week conference in Berlin, involved tracking the beverage consumption habits of 123,788 participants. It found that just nine ounces of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), such as soda, can increase the risk of liver disease known as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) by about 50%. However, when it comes to diet sodas, the findings are even worse."

"When it comes to diet drinks made with artificial sweeteners, the risk rises for 60%. At a 10.3 year follow-up, 108 of the participants had died from liver-related causes. However, while no significant association was found for the regular soda drinkers, consumption of low- or non-sugar-sweetened beverages (diet drinks) was linked to a higher rate of liver-related death. Both drinks were linked to higher liver fat content, as well."

"Our study shows that LNSSBs were actually linked to a higher risk of MASLD, even at modest intake levels such as a single can per day. These findings challenge the common perception that these drinks are harmless and highlight the need to reconsider their role in diet and liver health, especially as MASLD emerges as a global health concern."

Tracking of 123,788 participants' beverage consumption over a 10.3-year period found that nine ounces of sugar-sweetened beverages can raise the risk of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) by about 50%. Low- or non-sugar-sweetened beverages made with artificial sweeteners were associated with roughly a 60% increased MASLD risk and with higher rates of liver-related death; 108 participants died from liver-related causes during follow-up. Regular soda showed no significant association with liver-related death, but both drink types linked to higher liver fat content. Consumption at modest levels, such as a single can per day, showed measurable associations with liver harm.

Read at Fast Company