Metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, is a group of chronic liver diseases characterized by the accumulation of excessive fat deposits within the liver. It is estimated that more than 30 percent of the global population is affected by MASLD. Without appropriate treatment, the condition can lead to more serious liver diseases.
A study published in the Annals of Hepatology examined the association between drinking soft drinks and MASLD. The study analyzed the weekly consumption of more than 1,700 Mexican healthcare workers and their risk of liver dysfunction. The researchers discovered that consuming even a single soft drink a week was associated with an elevated risk of MASLD, with the risk increasing with increased consumption. Notably, the association was more pronounced in men compared to women. The study attributed this to soda’s excessive fructose content, which overloads the liver and leads to fat buildup and inflammation.