Energy drinks, high sugar intake raising liver disease risk in India

Medical experts have raised concerns over a growing trend of liver damage among young people in India, linking it to excessive consumption of energy drinks, particularly on the occasion of World Liver Day. Doctors said there has been a noticeable rise in cases where young individuals are showing early signs of liver disease, with energy drinks emerging as a contributing factor. Energy drinks, often marketed as performance enhancers and fatigue relievers, contain high levels of caffeine, along with substances such as taurine and other stimulants. Experts said these components place an increased metabolic burden on the liver. 
“Three major contributors to liver dysfunction are energy drinks, alcohol, and high-sugar beverages. Alcohol continues to be a leading cause of liver disease, and sugary drinks contribute to fatty liver disease,” said Dr. Abhideep Chaudhary, President of the Liver Transplantation Society of India. Experts cautioned that the combination of energy drinks with alcohol is particularly harmful. The stimulant effect of caffeine can mask the sedative impact of alcohol, often leading to higher consumption than intended. Medical studies have also pointed to risks associated with excessive intake of such beverages. A case published in the BMJ Case Reports documented acute hepatitis in a healthy individual linked to high consumption of energy drinks, attributed to elevated levels of niacin, which can be toxic to the liver.
According to experts, high sugar content, caffeine, and chemical additives in energy drinks can lead to fat accumulation in liver cells, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Over time, these factors may result in liver injury and increase the risk of developing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Studies suggest that nearly 25 to 30 per cent of the urban population may be affected by NAFLD, with a rising number of cases among adolescents and young adults. 
“We are witnessing a demographic shift in liver disease, with more patients aged 20 to 30 reporting conditions that were once seen primarily in older individuals. Many young people are unaware of the risks and consider these beverages part of a normal lifestyle,” said Dr. Neerav Goyal, President-Elect of the Liver Transplantation Society of India. Doctors also warned that advanced liver damage may require transplantation as the only life-saving option. Experts have advised moderation in consumption and greater awareness about the long-term health risks associated with energy drinks, particularly among young consumers.