Overview

• Daily intake above roughly 250 milliliters was tied to about a 60% higher risk of metabolic dysfunction‑associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) for low or non‑sugar drinks and about 50% for sugar‑sweetened beverages.
• Only low or non‑sugar‑sweetened drinks showed a significant association with liver‑related mortality, while sugary beverages did not in this analysis.
• The prospective study tracked about 123,800 adults without liver disease for a median 10 years, during which approximately 1,178 developed MASLD and 108 died from liver‑related causes.
• Substituting sweetened drinks with water was associated with a modest reduction in MASLD risk of roughly 13% to 15%, whereas switching between sugary and diet drinks offered no reduction.
• Researchers and independent experts note the observational design, self‑reported intake, and lack of brand or sweetener detail, underscoring the need for causal studies before product‑specific guidance.