A recent scientific study revealed that consuming just one can of soda daily – whether regular or diet – may significantly increase the risk of deadly liver diseases.

The Chinese researchers who conducted the study explained that this risk is linked to a condition medically known as Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD).

The disease occurs when excess fat accumulates in liver tissues, impairing its vital functions.

The study analyzed data from 123,788 adults in the United Kingdom who had no prior liver diseases, tracking them over ten years through periodic dietary questionnaires.

During the follow-up period, 1,178 participants developed MASLD, and 108 died from liver-related complications.

The researchers found that consuming just 250 ml of soda daily increases the risk of MASLD by up to 60%.

They found that people who consume sugar-sweetened beverages, like Coca-Cola, have a 50% higher chance of developing the disease, while low- or no-sugar drinks, such as Diet Coke and Sprite Zero, increase the risk by 60%.

Experts emphasized that the results raise questions about the safety of diet drinks, long considered a healthier option, calling for a reassessment of their role in healthy diets.

Lihei Liu, a digestive diseases researcher at the First Hospital of Soochow University in China, said: “Sugar-sweetened drinks have always been scrutinized, while low- or no-sugar drinks are considered safer alternatives. However, our study shows that both types may be associated with an increased risk of liver diseases, even when consumed in moderation.”

Liu added that replacing soda with water is the safest choice, noting that water helps reduce metabolic burden and prevents fat accumulation in the liver.

The results showed that replacing sugary or low-sugar drinks with water reduces the risk of the disease by 12.8% to 15.2%.

Researchers suggest the reason lies in the effect of sodas on blood glucose and insulin levels, as well as the impact of sugar substitutes on the gut microbiome.

Liu explained that the high sugar content in sodas causes rapid increases in glucose and insulin levels, contributing to weight gain and elevated uric acid, factors that promote fat accumulation in the liver.

Low- or no-sugar drinks may affect liver health by altering the gut microbiome, reducing satiety, and stimulating cravings for sugars.

The study is scheduled to be presented at the annual United European Gastroenterology Week conference in Berlin on October 7.