A major study of over 120,000 UK adults finds both regular and diet sodas sharply increase the risk of fatty liver disease (MASLD) and liver-related deaths, even at just one can per day. Diet sodas showed an even stronger link to liver-related mortality.
October 19, 2025
Source:
The Nutrition Source - Harvard University
Major New Study Raises Health Concerns
A study involving over 120,000 UK adults, presented at UEG Week 2025, reports both regular and artificially sweetened sodas are strongly linked to increased cases of metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). The researchers tracked participants for a median of 10.3 years, focusing on their consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) and low/no-sugar soft drinks (LNSSBs).
Key Data
Drinking more than one can per day of either type led to much higher MASLD risk.
Diet sodas were associated with a 60% higher MASLD risk; regular sodas, 50% higher.
Nearly 1,200 people developed MASLD during the study window. 108 died from liver-related complications.
This is the first major study to show that both diet and regular sodas can be dangerous for liver health, even at modest intake levels.
For more, see coverage from Medical News Today and ScienceDaily.
Keep up with the story. Subscribe to the PR+ free daily newsletter
Source:
Science Daily
Understanding the Findings and Mechanisms
Regular vs. Diet Sodas
Sugar-sweetened drinks raise blood sugar, insulin, body weight, and uric acid, contributing to liver fat.
Diet sodas may alter the gut microbiome, interfere with satiety, and even trigger insulin.
“LNSSBs were actually linked to a higher risk of MASLD, even at modest intake levels such as a single can per day,” said lead researcher Lihe Liu.
Liver-Related Mortality
Only diet sodas were directly linked to more liver-related deaths in this study.
The risk increased with higher consumption levels.
Clinical and Public Health Implications
MASLD, formerly called NAFLD, affects over 30% of adults globally.
Physicians now advise people to limit all sweetened beverages, including "diet" sodas, for better liver health.
Additional reporting at EMJ Reviews.
Read More
Source:
The Nutrition Source - Harvard University
Share this news:
