Higher soft drink consumption linked to increased risk of liver disease

Research reveals that consuming more soft drinks significantly raises the likelihood of developing liver disease, with men at greater risk, underscoring the need for dietary changes in Mexico. Study: Soft drink consumption and increased risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: Results from the health workers cohort study . Image Credit: BlueRingMedia / Shutterstock In a recent study published in the journal Annals of Hepatology , a group of researchers evaluated the association between soft drinks (SD) consumption and the risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in a cohort of Mexican adults, primarily consisting of employees of the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) and their relatives.

Background NAFLD is the most prevalent liver condition, affecting 20-30% of the global population, with obesity and metabolic disorders being significant risk factors. In Mexico, elevated liver enzymes such as aspartate aminotransferase (AST), aminotransferase (ALT), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) are commonly used to assess NAFLD risk. NAFLD encompasses a spectrum of liver diseases, from simple steatosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) (Severe NAFLD with liver inflammation and damage), which can progress to serious conditions.

Recently, the terminology for liver diseases has evolved, introducing the term Metabolic Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), which focuses on metabolic risk factors, while NAFLD excludes significant alcohol consumption and secondary .