New Delhi, April 19 (PTI) On the occasion of World Liver Day, liver specialists across India flagged a growing public health concern, warning that excessive consumption of energy drinks is emerging as a significant
contributor to liver damage among the country's youth.
Backed by clinical observations and global scientific evidence, doctors warned that the trend is accelerating, with young patients increasingly presenting early signs of liver disease.
Recent medical studies have highlighted the harmful impact of energy drinks on liver health. A widely cited case published in the journal BMJ Case Reports documented acute hepatitis in a previously healthy individual linked to excessive energy drink consumption, primarily due to high levels of niacin (Vitamin B3), which in large doses is known to be hepatotoxic.
Experts note that when consumed frequently, especially alongside alcohol or unhealthy diets, these beverages significantly increase the risk of developing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
Dr Abhideep Chaudhary, president of the Liver Transplantation Society of India (LTSI) and chairman and head, Department of HPB and Liver Transplantation, BLK-Max Hospital, Delhi said, "Over the past few years, we have seen a significant increase in young patients presenting with liver dysfunction. Three major contributors stand out - energy drinks, alcohol, and high-sugar beverages."
Energy drinks, often perceived as harmless, contain high levels of caffeine, sugar, and chemical additives that place immense stress on the liver, he said.
When combined with alcohol or consumed excessively, they accelerate liver injury. Alcohol continues to be a leading cause of liver disease, and sugary drinks contribute to fatty liver disease.
"Together, these are creating a perfect storm, and the number of cases is steadily rising. If liver damage progresses beyond a certain point, a liver transplant often becomes the only life-saving option," Dr Chaudhary stated.
Medical experts emphasised that energy drinks are aggressively marketed to young consumers as performance enhancers and fatigue relievers.
However, these drinks often contain caffeine levels far exceeding recommended daily limits, along with substances such as taurine and herbal stimulants, which the liver must metabolise. Over time, this biochemical overload can impair liver function, doctors said.
Dr Neerav Goyal, president-elect of LTSI and head, Liver Transplant, Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, Delhi said, "Today, we are witnessing a demographic shift in liver disease. Patients in their 20s and 30s are coming to us with conditions that were once seen primarily in older individuals."
Alcohol remains a major factor, but the role of energy drinks and sugary beverages cannot be ignored, he said.
"These drinks contribute to fat accumulation in the liver, inflammation, and long-term damage. Many young people are unaware of the risks and consider these beverages part of a normal lifestyle," Dr Goyal said.
Doctors also warned against the increasingly popular trend of mixing energy drinks with alcohol. This not only increases the risk of alcohol poisoning, but also significantly heightens liver toxicity, doctors said.
Dr Charles Panackel, secretary of LTSI and senior consultant, Hepatology at Aster Medcity Kochi, said, "From a clinical standpoint, we are clearly observing a pattern where lifestyle choices are directly impacting liver health at a younger age. Energy drinks, alcohol, and sugary beverages are key culprits.
"The liver is a resilient organ, but continuous exposure to these harmful substances leads to progressive damage - from fatty liver to inflammation, fibrosis, and even cirrhosis. Awareness is critical because early-stage liver disease is often reversible if addressed in time," Dr Panackel said.
Experts stressed that the perception of energy drinks as safe needs urgent correction.
Dr Naveen Ganjoo, Governing Council, Adult Hepatology at LTSI and senior consultant, Hepatology and Integrated Liver Care, Aster RV Hospital, Bangalore said that frequent intake of energy drinks is emerging as an under-recognised risk to liver health in young individuals.
"These beverages, especially when paired with alcohol or poor lifestyle habits, can accelerate early liver injury. What is concerning is that many of these cases are preventable with timely awareness," he said.
On World Liver Day, healthcare professionals called for urgent awareness campaigns targeting youth, stricter regulation and labelling of high-caffeine and high-sugar beverages, and proactive lifestyle changes.
Reducing consumption of processed drinks, avoiding alcohol-energy drink combinations, maintaining a balanced diet, and engaging in regular physical activity are key preventive steps.
Parents, schools, and policymakers must also play an active role in educating young people about the hidden dangers of these beverages, Dr Chaudhary said. PTI PLB MNK
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