Soft Drink Causing Fatty Liver in Children: Do you often give your child sugary treats like pastries, soft drinks, or cookies? While it might seem harmless, experts warn it could be putting your child’s liver at risk.

In an Instagram post on August 13, Dr. Saurabh Sethi—a liver specialist trained at AIIMS, Harvard, and Stanford—shed light on the growing concern of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in children. This condition involves a buildup of excess fat in the liver and is becoming increasingly common, even in young kids.

Dr. Sethi pointed out that one of the key culprits is fructose, a type of sugar found in many processed foods and sweetened drinks. “Sugar is made up of 50% glucose and 50% fructose,” he explained in his video. “While glucose is used by the body for energy, excess fructose is processed by the liver, where it can be converted into fat. Over time, this can lead to fatty liver disease.”

If left untreated, NAFLD can progress into more serious liver problems, including cirrhosis, which in severe cases might require a liver transplant. [Also Know: Nourishing Superfoods for Optimal Eye Vision in Children]

To understand the broader picture of liver health, HT Lifestyle spoke with other medical experts about the main causes of liver damage and how to prevent them.

Dr. Pavan Dhoble, a consultant in gastroenterology at PD Hinduja Hospital in Mumbai, highlighted three major contributors to liver damage, while Dr. Dinesh Zirpe, director of liver transplantation at Sahyadri Super Speciality Hospital in Pune, shared simple yet effective tips to maintain a healthy liver.

Their collective advice is clear: cutting down on sugary foods and drinks is a critical step in protecting your child’s liver health—and your own.