A large-scale UK study has revealed that both sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) and artificially sweetened or “diet” drinks (LNSSBs) are strongly linked to an increased risk of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), previously known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Researchers analyzed beverage consumption and health outcomes in over 1.2 lakh adults, uncovering clear patterns connecting high intake with liver damage.
Over a median follow-up of more than ten years, thousands of participants who regularly consumed sweetened drinks showed a significantly higher risk of developing MASLD and related liver problems. People drinking over 250 grams per day of artificially sweetened drinks had nearly 60% higher risk, while heavy consumers of sugary beverages showed about 50% higher risk of developing fatty liver disease.
The study also found that those who frequently consumed artificially sweetened beverages faced a higher risk of liver-related mortality, suggesting that diet drinks may not be as safe an alternative as once believed. Both types of beverages were also associated with increased liver fat accumulation, a key marker of early liver dysfunction.
Researchers believe the mechanisms differ between the two drink types. For sugary drinks, repeated glucose spikes, insulin resistance, and weight gain may promote fat deposition in the liver. For artificially sweetened beverages, the suspected pathways include gut microbiome disruption, altered satiety signals, and possible insulin effects triggered by sweet taste perception.
Importantly, substituting these beverages with plain water resulted in a measurable reduction in liver disease risk — approximately 13–15% lower likelihood of developing MASLD. However, swapping sugary drinks for artificially sweetened ones did not reduce risk, indicating that both categories may contribute to metabolic stress.
Researchers concluded that limiting both sugar-sweetened and artificially sweetened drinks is essential for maintaining liver health. They recommend public health policies emphasizing water consumption and further studies to explore how sweeteners influence gut-liver interactions and metabolic pathways.
