The beverages researchers have raised concerns about are sugar-sweetened drinks, including regular soda, sweetened iced tea, sugary energy drinks, and certain fruit-flavored beverages. These products can contain substantial amounts of added sugar, which may contribute to metabolic problems when consumed frequently.

One reason scientists are interested in this connection involves fructose, a type of sugar that the liver processes. When sugar consumption regularly exceeds the body’s needs, the liver can convert some of that excess into fat. Over time, this may contribute to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, or MASLD, previously known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

In a 2023 study published in JAMA, women who consumed at least one sugar-sweetened beverage daily had an 85% higher relative risk of liver cancer and a 68% higher relative risk of death from chronic liver disease compared with women who consumed three or fewer such drinks monthly. Importantly, these were associations observed in a specific population, not proof that sugary drinks directly caused those outcomes.

The encouraging news is that supporting liver health doesn’t require expensive supplements or complicated detox routines. Replacing some sugary beverages with plain water, sparkling water, or unsweetened tea can help reduce added-sugar intake. Choosing whole fruit instead of sweetened fruit drinks, eating balanced meals, and staying physically active can also support metabolic health.

Fatty liver disease often causes no noticeable symptoms early on. People with diabetes, obesity, or abnormal liver blood tests should discuss appropriate liver assessment with a healthcare professional rather than relying on symptoms alone.

You don’t have to eliminate every sweet beverage forever. What matters is your overall pattern of consumption and making healthier choices consistently.

Did you know that sugary drinks could be associated with liver health problems even in people who don’t drink alcohol? What’s your favorite everyday drink?