News

Diet drinks linked to liver disease

People who regularly drink both sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) and low- or no-sugar-sweetened beverages (LNSSBs) face a much greater likelihood of developing a form of liver disease, a new study shows.

Researchers followed 123,788 UK adults who had no signs of liver disease at the start of the study. The participants’ drink habits were recorded through repeated 24-hour dietary questionnaires. Those who drank more than 250g of either type of beverage per day had notably higher risks of developing metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Those consuming LNSSBs had a 60% increased likelihood, while those consuming SSBs had a 50% increase.

MASLD, previously known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), occurs when excess fat builds up in the liver. Over time, this can trigger inflammation and lead to symptoms such as abdominal pain, fatigue, and loss of appetite.

During a median follow-up of 10.3 years, 1,178 participants developed MASLD and 108 died from liver-related causes. Although SSBs were not significantly connected to liver-related mortality, LNSSB consumption was. Both kinds of drinks were also associated with higher levels of liver fat.

Lead researcher Lihe Liu explained: “These findings challenge the common perception that these drinks are harmless and highlight the need to reconsider their role in diet and liver health, especially as MASLD emerges as a global health concern.”

Menopause linked to structural brain changes

A new review of scientific studies has revealed that menopause may bring measurable structural changes to the brain that could help explain symptoms such as brain fog, memory lapses and difficulty concentrating.

The review, conducted by researchers at Ponce Health Sciences University in Puerto Rico, found that menopause is linked to reductions in grey matter volume in areas of the brain responsible for memory and executive function, along with increased white matter hyperintensities – changes associated with cognitive decline and higher dementia risk. The findings also suggest some grey matter recovery may occur after menopause, possibly reflecting the brain’s adaptive response to hormonal shifts.

Dr Stephanie Faubion, medical director for The Menopause Society, said: “These data will hopefully lead to a better understanding of the factors underlying some of the cognitive concerns experienced by women during the menopause transition so that we can ultimately identify effective therapies.”

Celebrating World Echinacea Day

This autumn brings a new date for our calendars: World Echinacea Day. Launching on 15 November, this new event will celebrate one of nature’s most trusted immune-supporting herbs. Research shows that this striking purple plant can reduce the likelihood of contracting a respiratory tract infection by 32%, reduce the risk of recurrent infections by 40% and reduce respiratory infection complications by 56%. Echinacea has also been found to be effective against all known variants of Covid-19, with research showing that it reduces your chance of catching a respiratory tract virus by 51%, SARS-CoV-2 by 63% and viral load (amount of virus present) in the event of an infection, by 99%.

To mark the occasion, and 70 years of its flagship Echinaforce® remedy, herbal supplement brand A.Vogel is rolling out a nationwide campaign of education, expert insights and in-store events. Independent health food stores will join the celebrations, encouraging shoppers to wear a splash of pink and share their support using the hashtag #EchinaceaDay.