Researchers Warn Excess Sugar May Increase Gallstone Risk in Adults - Video

A new study published in Scientific Reports suggests that higher dietary sugar intake may significantly increase the risk of Gallstones among adults. The findings, based on data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 2017 and 2023, highlight excessive sugar consumption as a potential and modifiable risk factor.

Researchers analyzed 8,975 adults and found that every 100-gram-per-day increase in total sugar intake was associated with a 41% higher risk of gallstones, even after adjusting for factors such as age, sex, body mass index (BMI), lifestyle, and comorbidities.

Participants with gallstones were more likely to be older, physically inactive, obese, and smokers, and they often had lower income levels and higher rates of chronic diseases.

Further analysis showed that individuals in the highest sugar intake groups had up to 82% greater risk compared to those consuming the least sugar.

Machine learning models confirmed the strength of this association, with sugar intake emerging as an important predictor, although factors like age, sex, and BMI had an even greater impact.

Several biological mechanisms may explain this link. High sugar intake can raise blood glucose and insulin levels, increasing liver cholesterol production and its release into bile. This can lead to bile supersaturation, a key step in gallstone formation.

Additionally, excessive sugar may contribute to insulin resistance, obesity, reduced gallbladder movement, and chronic inflammation—all of which can promote stone development.

While the study does not establish causation due to its cross-sectional design, it underscores the importance of dietary habits.

Reducing sugar intake could serve as a practical strategy to lower gallstone risk and improve overall metabolic health, though further long-term research is needed.

REFERENCE: Zhang, J., Lu, Y., Zhou, X. et al. (2026). Association between total dietary sugar intake and gallstones in Americans. Scientific Reports. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-026-44407-6, https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-026-44407-6