Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) stands as one of the most widespread liver diseases, affecting approximately up to 46% of the global population according to current estimates.
Formerly known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), it underwent a renaming in June 2023. This condition, characterized by an excessive accumulation of fat in the liver, initially presents no noticeable symptoms but can advance into metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), a more severe stage associated with liver scarring and cirrhosis.
As of now, there exists no approved medication specifically designed for treating this type of liver disease. Doctors could only recommend exercise and dietary modifications to lower body fat, which aims to prevent or reverse MASLD.
Health experts have long held the belief that soda intake might heighten the risk of MASLD by promoting insulin resistance and liver inflammation. Despite claims like "zero sugar" and "zero calories," diet sodas aren't regarded as healthy beverages by experts.
Recently, a research team embarked on a study exploring the potential link between heavy diet soda consumption and MASLD risk. Their findings, published in BMC Public Health, indicate a strong correlation between the consumption of diet sodas and this particular liver disease. The study authors highlighted the significance of their work, mentioning it as the first study to delve into this association within a nationally representative sample, providing valuable insights for dietary recommendations in preventing and treating MASLD.
Sodas are carbonated and nonalcoholic beverages, promoted by marketers in response to concerns about obesity. These zero-sugar, zero-calorie drinks gained popularity but often contain aspartame or other artificial sweeteners.
Ongoing studies consistently connect heavy consumption of these artificial sweeteners with higher risks of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other markers of metabolic syndrome.
In May 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) advised against using non-sugar sweeteners to reduce body fat. By July of the same year, aspartame was labeled by the WHO as "possibly carcinogenic to humans."
Some research has hinted at a potential link between diet sodas and increased body mass index (BMI) and higher body fat percentages, especially among adolescents. Daily soda intake, including diet sodas, is linked to increased hypertension in this age group. Moreover, excessive consumption of diet sodas might contribute to a higher risk of vascular events and type 2 diabetes.
Previous studies indicated that artificial sweeteners could potentially promote insulin resistance and glucose intolerance by disturbing the balance of intestinal microbiota. These responses are intricately linked to the development of MASLD.