From packaged snacks and sugary drinks to ready-made meals, ultra-processed foods (UPFs) have become a regular part of our diets. But could they be affecting our liver health?
A new study published in Nutrients by researchers from the Fondazione Italiana Fegato (Italian Liver Foundation) explores the relationship between ultra-processed food consumption and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), commonly known as fatty liver disease, which affects approximately 38% of adults worldwide.
What did the researchers find?
The researchers examined five systematic reviews covering 18 original scientific publications to understand how ultra-processed food consumption relates to liver health.
The findings suggest that people who consume more ultra-processed foods are more likely to develop fatty liver disease. One analysis reported a 32% higher relative risk among people with the highest consumption compared with those consuming the least.
Several mechanisms may explain this association, including excessive calorie intake, increased fat accumulation in the liver, insulin resistance, and changes in gut health.
However, association does not mean causation. More research is needed to determine whether ultra-processed foods directly contribute to liver disease and which types may be most relevant.
What can we do?
The message is not to eliminate every processed food, but to make healthier everyday choices. Prioritizing vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, and minimally processed foods while limiting frequent consumption of ultra-processed products can support better metabolic health.
Taking care of your liver starts with what’s on your plate!
Read the full publication:
Bernardino, M., Tiribelli, C., & Rosso, N. (2026). Ultra-Processed Food Consumption and Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD): Evidence Synthesis, Methodological Appraisal, and Mechanistic Insights. Nutrients, 18(21), 3585.
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