title: Beverage consumption and paediatric NAFLD.
abstract: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease in children and adolescents, due to the increased worldwide incidence of obesity among children. It is now clear enough that of diet high in carbohydrates and simple sugars are associated with hepatic steatosis and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Several studies have shown that an increased consumption of simple sugars is also positively associated with overweight and obesity, and related co-morbidities, such as type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome and NAFLD. It is difficult to define the role of the various components of soft drinks and energy drinks in the pathogenesis of NAFLD and its progression in NASH, but the major role is played by high calorie and high sugar consumption, mainly fructose. In addition, other components of these beverages (e.g. xanthine) seem to have an important role in the pathogenesis of metabolic disorders, crucial pathways involved in NAFLD/NASH. The drastic reduction in the consumption of energy drinks and soft drinks is an appropriate intervention for the prevention of obesity and NAFLD in young people.
authors: Department of Paediatrics and Paediatric Neuropsychiatry, Centre of Paediatric Dietetics and Nutrition, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy. mosca_anto@libero.it.
authors: Antonella
authors: A
authors: Mosca
authors: Hepato-Metabolic Disease Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
authors: Claudia
authors: C
authors: Della Corte
authors: Hepato-Metabolic Disease Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
authors: Maria Rita
authors: MR
authors: Sartorelli
authors: Hepato-Metabolic Disease Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
authors: Francesca
authors: F
authors: Ferretti
authors: Child Neurology Unit, Department of Paediatrics and Paediatric Neuropsychiatry, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.
authors: Francesco
authors: F
authors: Nicita
authors: Department of Paediatrics and Paediatric Neuropsychiatry, Centre of Paediatric Dietetics and Nutrition, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.
authors: Andrea
authors: A
authors: Vania
authors: Hepato-Metabolic Disease Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
authors: Valerio
authors: V
authors: Nobili
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002253:Carbonated Beverages / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002648:Child; D004032:Diet; D061215:Energy Drinks / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D065626:Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease / Q000209:etiology* / Q000378:metabolism; D009765:Obesity / Q000209:etiology* / Q000378:metabolism
keywords: Adolescents; Alcohol; Energy drinks; Fructose; NAFLD; Soft drinks