Study: One Can of Diet Soda a Day May Risk Liver Disease by 60% | GRAVITAS – YouTube
Even one soda a day (diet or regular) can raise liver disease risk.
Both sugar and artificial sweeteners affect liver fat metabolism.
MASLD is the most common global liver condition today.
Ingredient reforms by beverage companies are a positive step, but moderation is still key.
MASLD: It is the new name for what was previously known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and is a condition characterized by excess fat buildup in the liver. This buildup is not caused by heavy alcohol use but is linked to metabolic risk factors like obesity, high blood sugar, and high cholesterol.
If you’re someone who can’t get through the day without cracking open a soda can, here’s some news that might make you think twice. A new study presented at the 2025 United European Gastroenterology Week in Berlin has found that even moderate soda consumption — whether sugary or diet — could increase your risk of liver disease.
The Surprising Link Between Soda and Liver Disease
Researchers discovered that drinking as little as 9 ounces of soda per day — less than a full can — can have serious consequences.
- A sugary drink can raise the risk of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) by 50%.
- Surprisingly, a diet soda can increase the same risk by 60%.
In case you’re wondering, MASLD (previously known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease) happens when fat builds up in the liver, potentially leading to scarring or cirrhosis — much like what’s seen in heavy drinkers.
Why Even Diet Soda Isn’t a “Healthier” Choice
Lead researcher Lihe Liu from Soochow University explained that even low- or non-sugar sweetened drinks were linked to higher liver disease risk — even at small daily amounts.
It’s a surprising twist for many who switched to diet soda thinking it was a healthier alternative. The truth is, while diet versions may cut sugar, artificial sweeteners and other ingredients can still put stress on the liver.
What Experts Are Saying
According to Dr. Wesley McWhorter of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the problem lies in how the body metabolizes fructose, which is found in sugary sodas.
“Fructose is primarily processed in the liver, and when consumed in excess — especially through sugary drinks — it promotes fat accumulation in the liver,” McWhorter explained.
That buildup can trigger inflammation and damage, setting the stage for MASLD and other health issues.
The Bigger Picture: Changing What’s in Our Drinks
This research arrives as the Trump administration and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. push for stricter ingredient regulations, including the removal of artificial dyes and chemicals. Coca-Cola, for instance, recently agreed to switch to cane sugar in U.S. sodas.
But while ingredient reform may sound like progress, the reality remains: soda—whether diet or regular—should still be consumed sparingly.
A Simple Health Swap
So, what’s the best move for your health? Skip the fizz.
Next time thirst hits, reach for water, infused water, or herbal tea instead. If you can’t resist a soda occasionally, make it a treat — not a habit.
Your liver will thank you for it.
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