Sugar-sweetened and non-sugar-sweetened beverages linked to MASLD risk

Both sugar-sweetened and low/non-sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs and LNSSBs) were associated with an increased risk of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), stressing the importance of making healthy beverage choices.

Dr Lihe Liu (First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, China) and colleagues analysed data from 14,364 participants aged 37-73 years from the UK Biobank cohort who had available MRI-derived proton density fat fraction data for the assessment of MASLD. “MRI-derived proton density fat fraction is the most accurate non-invasive method to quantify liver fat,” clarified Dr Liu. Participants were divided into three groups based on their self-reported intake of SSBs/LNSSBs (250 ml = 1 unit): no intake, 0-1 serving per day, and more than 1 serving per day [1].

Consuming more than 1 serving per day of SSBs (HR 1.47; 95% CI 1.06-1.83; P=0.019) or LNSSBs (HR 1.60; 95% CI 1.19-1.88; P<0.001) was associated with an increased risk of MASLD compared with non-consumers. There was no significant increased risk of MASLD for participants who consumed 0-1 serving of SSBs or LNSSBs per day. “We observed a clear dose-response relationship with MASLD risk, showing that increased intake of these drinks heightens the risk of MASLD accordingly,” added Dr Liu.

Furthermore, patients with a high intake of LNSSBs had an increased risk of severe liver outcomes (HR 1.56; 95% CI 1.05-2.31; P=0.028), whereas this was not observed among those consuming more than 1 SSB per day (HR 1.16; 95% CI 0.70-1.76; P=0.64). Dr Liu emphasised that substituting SSBs or LNSSBs with water reduced the risk for MASLD by 12.8% and 15.2%, respectively.

“These results highlight the importance of choosing healthy beverages to help prevent MASLD,” concluded Dr Liu.

1. Liu L, et al. Sugar- and low/non-sugar-sweetened beverages and risks of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease: a prospective analysis of the UK biobank. OP161, Lifestyle management and therapy in MASLD, UEG Week, 4-7 October 2025, Berlin, Germany.

Medical writing support was provided by Robert van den Heuvel.
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Posted on 9 October 20259 October 2025