Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Apr 19: Leading liver specialists have raised concern over the growing health risks linked to excessive consumption of energy drinks among India’s youth, warning that it is emerging as a significant contributor to liver damage. The caution comes on the occasion of World Liver Day.
Doctors noted that a rising number of young patients are showing early signs of liver disorders, a trend they say is accelerating in urban areas. Energy drinks, often marketed as performance boosters and fatigue relievers, contain high levels of caffeine along with additives such as taurine and herbal stimulants, which place additional stress on the liver during metabolism.
Medical experts explained that prolonged and excessive intake of these beverages can lead to biochemical overload, gradually impairing liver function. A further concern is the growing practice of mixing energy drinks with alcohol. Doctors warned that caffeine can mask alcohol’s sedative effects, leading to higher and potentially dangerous consumption levels.
“Three major contributors to liver dysfunction are energy drinks, alcohol, and high-sugar beverages. Alcohol remains a leading cause of liver disease, while sugary drinks are strongly linked to fatty liver disease,” said Dr. Abhideep Chaudhary, President of the Liver Transplantation Society of India (LTSI), New Delhi.
He further cautioned that in advanced cases of liver damage, transplantation may become the only life-saving option.
Experts also cited medical literature, including a case report in BMJ Case Reports, which linked excessive energy drink intake to acute hepatitis due to high levels of niacin (Vitamin B3), known to be toxic to the liver in large quantities.
Research suggests that the high sugar content, caffeine, and chemical additives in such drinks may trigger fat accumulation in liver cells, oxidative stress, and inflammation. These factors collectively increase the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), especially when combined with poor dietary habits.
Studies indicate that nearly 25–30 per cent of the urban population may already be affected by NAFLD, with a worrying rise among adolescents and young adults.
“We are witnessing a demographic shift in liver disease, with more patients in the 20–30 age group reporting conditions earlier seen 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 LTSI and Head of Liver Transplant, Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital.