Diet Soft Drinks Linked to 60% Higher Liver Disease Risk
A recent study has revealed that consuming just one can of diet soft drink daily can raise the risk of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) by 60%, surpassing the 50% risk linked to sugary soft drinks. MASLD, caused by fat accumulation in the liver, affects over 30% of the global population. Researchers found that while sugary drinks contribute to liver fat buildup through insulin spikes and weight gain, artificially sweetened beverages disrupt gut microbiome balance, alter satiety signals, and stimulate sweet cravings, potentially leading to liver damage. The study tracked over 123,000 participants in the UK Biobank for a decade, highlighting the need to replace both sugary and artificially sweetened drinks with water to mitigate liver disease risk. For Malta, where Mediterranean cuisine thrives, the findings underscore the importance of embracing healthier drink options like herbal teas, fresh juices, and infused water to complement nutrient-rich local dishes. Prioritizing water and whole foods can support liver health and align
A Single Can of Diet Soft Drink a Day Could Raise Liver Disease Risk by 60%, Study Reveals
In Malta, where dining out and embracing a Mediterranean lifestyle are cherished traditions, health-conscious choices often go hand in hand with food culture. However, a major new study has revealed a surprising risk tied to beverages that many consider a healthier alternative—diet soft drinks.
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), a condition caused by fat accumulation in the liver, affects over 30% of the global population. A study presented at the United European Gastroenterology Week in Berlin has uncovered that consuming even one can of artificially sweetened soft drink per day could increase the risk of MASLD by 60%, a figure higher than the 50% risk associated with sugary soft drinks.
For years, sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) have been criticized for their role in liver damage, weight gain, and other metabolic issues, while artificially sweetened "diet" alternatives have been marketed as guilt-free options. But according to lead study author Lihe Liu, a graduate student at the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University in China, this assumption is flawed. Liu stated, "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."
The study tracked 123,788 participants in the UK Biobank over a 10-year period, all of whom were initially free of liver disease. Beverage consumption data was collected using repeated 24-hour dietary questionnaires. During the follow-up, 1,178 participants developed MASLD, and 108 died from liver-related causes.
Both sugary and artificially sweetened beverages were linked to liver disease risk, but the mechanisms differed. Sugary drinks, with their high sugar content, were found to cause rapid spikes in blood glucose and insulin levels, promote weight gain, and increase uric acid—all factors contributing to fat buildup in the liver. On the other hand, artificially sweetened drinks were shown to disrupt gut microbiome balance, alter satiety signals, stimulate sweet cravings, and even affect insulin secretion, all of which may contribute to liver fat accumulation.
For residents and visitors in Malta, where fresh, healthy Mediterranean dishes are readily available, this study serves as a reminder to prioritize whole foods and beverages over processed options. Restaurants across the island are increasingly offering healthier drink alternatives, such as herbal teas, freshly squeezed juices, and infused water, which can complement Malta’s renowned dishes like grilled fish, fresh salads, and seasonal fruits.
According to the NHS, MASLD progresses through four stages, starting with fat buildup with no liver damage—common and often reversible through lifestyle changes. The study’s authors emphasized the importance of replacing sugar-sweetened and artificially sweetened drinks with water, noting that this simple switch could reduce liver disease risk by more than 10%.
Water remains the ideal beverage for hydration and liver health, eliminating the metabolic burden associated with soft drinks. Malta’s culinary scene offers numerous opportunities to embrace this choice, whether sipping on refreshing still or sparkling water alongside a hearty lampuki pie or enjoying a hydrating glass of water with a platter of seasonal Maltese vegetables.
The findings of this study underline the importance of making informed dietary choices—not only for those dining at home but also for anyone enjoying Malta’s vibrant restaurant culture. As MASLD continues to emerge as a global health concern, limiting sugary and artificially sweetened drinks in favor of water or other natural beverages is a simple yet impactful step toward better liver health and overall well-being.
When dining out or preparing meals at home, let Malta’s rich culinary traditions inspire healthier decisions. Choose water, savor nutrient-rich Mediterranean flavors, and take proactive steps to protect your health for years to come. After all, the best meals are those that nourish both the body and the soul.