The consumption of sugary beverages on a daily basis has been linked to an increased risk of liver cancer and chronic liver disease, according to a study conducted by researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. The study, published in the journal JAMA, focused on postmenopausal women and their consumption of sugar-sweetened and artificially sweetened drinks, shedding light on a concerning health association.
Approximately 65% of American adults regularly consume beverages sweetened with sugar. Chronic liver disease is a leading global cause of illness and mortality, with potential consequences such as liver cancer and fatalities related to liver diseases.
This groundbreaking study, led by researchers from Brigham and Women’s Hospital, examined the connection between the intake of sugar-sweetened beverages, artificially sweetened beverages, and the incidence of liver cancer and chronic liver disease mortality. The research involved nearly 100,000 postmenopausal women participating in the Women’s Health Initiative study, a large and prospective cohort. Participants reported their typical consumption of soft drinks and fruit drinks (excluding fruit juice) and later reported their consumption of artificially sweetened beverages after three years. Over a median follow-up period of more than 20 years, researchers tracked self-reported liver cancer cases and deaths attributed to chronic liver diseases like fibrosis, cirrhosis, or chronic hepatitis. These findings were further corroborated through medical records or the National Death Index.
The results revealed a significant risk association: among the 6.8% of women who consumed one or more sugar-sweetened beverages daily, there was an 85% higher risk of liver cancer and a 68% higher risk of mortality from chronic liver disease compared to those consuming fewer than three sugar-sweetened beverages per month.
It is essential to note that this study was observational, and it cannot establish causality. The findings rely on self-reported data regarding beverage intake, sugar content, and health outcomes. Further research is imperative to validate this risk association and delve into the underlying mechanisms that link sugary drinks to an increased risk of liver cancer and liver diseases. This comprehensive approach should encompass genetic factors, preclinical and experimental studies, as well as -omics data.
In summary, this study underscores the potential health risks associated with daily consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, particularly in the context of liver health. While more research is needed to establish causality and understand the mechanisms at play, these findings highlight the importance of considering beverage choices for long-term health, especially for postmenopausal women.
Reference:
“Sugar-Sweetened and Artificially Sweetened Beverages and Risk of Liver Cancer and Chronic Liver Disease Mortality” by Longgang Zhao, Xinyuan Zhang, Mace Coday, David O. Garcia, Xinyi Li, Yasmin Mossavar-Rahmani, Michelle J. Naughton, Melissa Lopez-Pentecost, Nazmus Saquib, Aladdin H. Shadyab, Michael S. Simon, Linda G. Snetselaar, Fred K. Tabung, Deirdre K. Tobias, Trang VoPham, Katherine A. McGlynn, Howard D. Sesso, Edward Giovannucci, JoAnn E. Manson, Frank B. Hu, Lesley F. Tinker and Xuehong Zhang, JAMA.
DOI: 10.1001/jama.2023.12618
Note: Funding and support details for the Women’s Health Initiative program and the researchers involved are provided in the original text.
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Liver Disease Risk
What is the main finding of the study conducted by Brigham and Women’s Hospital?
The main finding of the study is that daily consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages is associated with a significantly higher risk of both liver cancer and chronic liver disease mortality, particularly among postmenopausal women.
How many participants were involved in this research, and what was the duration of the study?
The study included nearly 100,000 postmenopausal women as participants. It had a median follow-up period of more than 20 years, making it a long-term observational study.
Is there a specific percentage of sugary beverage consumption that was linked to increased risk?
Yes, the study found that among the 6.8% of women who consumed one or more sugar-sweetened beverages daily, there was an 85% higher risk of liver cancer and a 68% higher risk of chronic liver disease mortality compared to those consuming fewer than three sugar-sweetened beverages per month.
Can this study establish a causal relationship between sugary drink consumption and liver health?
No, this study is observational in nature and cannot establish causality. It provides an association between sugary drink consumption and liver-related health outcomes but does not prove that sugary drinks directly cause these health problems.
What should be the key takeaway from these findings?
The key takeaway is that regular consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages may be a risk factor for liver cancer and chronic liver disease mortality, especially in postmenopausal women. However, further research is needed to confirm these associations and understand the underlying mechanisms.
Were there any limitations to this study that should be considered?
Yes, there are limitations. This study relied on self-reported data, which can introduce bias. Additionally, it was an observational study, so causality cannot be inferred. More research is needed to validate the findings and explore the reasons behind the observed associations.
More about Liver Disease Risk
- JAMA Study: Sugar-Sweetened and Artificially Sweetened Beverages and Risk of Liver Cancer and Chronic Liver Disease Mortality
- Brigham and Women’s Hospital
- Women’s Health Initiative
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
- National Institute of Aging (NIA)
- National Cancer Institute (NCI)
- National Institutes of Health (NIH)
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
- American Cancer Society
- Mass General Brigham
- Merck Foundation
- Georgetown University
- Mars Edge
5 comments
i wundr if diet drinks r safe? they r artificial sweetened, so what’s the deal there?
gr8 study but, u kno, it’s just like, a link, not sure it’s the sugary drinks causin’ it.
Need more info on the how and why, genetics, experiments, wut else do they need to find out?
100,000 women, 20 yrs, that’s a long time, gr8 dedication.
wow, sugary drinks are rly bad for liver, gotta stop drinkin’ them!