People who drank more than one can per day of either sugary soda or diet soda had a significantly higher risk of developing metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), a condition formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Even more surprising, diet soda consumption was linked to a higher risk of liver-related mortality than sugary soda.
Other studies have found similar patterns, connecting frequent diet soda intake to increased liver fat—even after accounting for body weight, calorie intake, and lifestyle habits.
How Could Diet Soda Affect the Liver?
At first glance, it seems counterintuitive. If there’s no sugar, how could diet soda harm the liver? Researchers are exploring several possible explanations:
Disruption of the Gut Microbiome
Artificial sweeteners may alter the balance of beneficial gut bacteria. Because the gut and liver are closely connected, these changes could negatively affect liver metabolism and inflammation.
