Sugar Linked to Liver Disease

Approximately one out of three Americans is affected by non-alcohol fatty liver disease, and the numbers are growing.¹

Many of its victims don't even know they have it. If undetected, it can ultimately progress to inflammation and scarring of the liver (cirrhosis) and, in some cases, even liver failure.

Could sugar be the culprit behind this rise in liver disease? A recent study links sugary drinks to the condition. The results were published in the Journal of Hepatology.

More Than One Sugary Drink Daily Linked with Liver Disease

Fatty liver disease is an excess build-up of fat in the liver. Being overweight is a strong risk factor for the disease. Certain cases may progress to the more serious condition called NASH (nonalcoholic steatohepatitis) which may lead to irreversible liver damage.³

For the current study, 2,634 individuals (mostly middle age) were asked to fill out questionnaires regarding their diet. CT scans were conducted to measure the amount of fat present in their livers.

The investigators found that people who drank more than one sweetened drink daily were more likely to have fatty liver disease in comparison to those who abstained from sugary drinks.²

The beverages in this category included sodas, lemonade, fruit punches, and other fruit drinks. The results held true even when they took into account other factors such as BMI (body mass intake), alcohol intake, and age.

Fatty Liver Disease is Reversible

The good news is that fatty liver disease is reversible. With diet, exercise, and supplementation the liver may return to normal. One key element to remove from your diet is high fructose corn syrup.

Compared to other types of sugars, it is easily converted into fat in the liver. High fructose corn syrup is typically found in sodas, salad dressings, baked goods, and even condiments.

Supplements Combat Fatty Liver Disease

Two of the most promising nutrients for fatty liver disease are fish oil and vitamin E. In clinical studies, they’ve been shown to reduce liver fat and liver damage in individuals with the condition.^4,5

A therapeutic dose for vitamin E is 800 IU and 1200 mg of EPA and DHA daily.

References:

Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2008 Jul;28(1):2-12.
J Hepatol. 2015 Aug;63(2):462-9.
Gastroenterol Hepatol (N Y). 2014 Apr; 10(4): 219–227.
Aliment Pharmacol Ther.2006 Apr 15;23(8):1143-51.
Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2012 Nov;15(6):641-8.

Adapted from Life Extension blog Dec 2015.