In young adults, a protein called apoCIII might be behind why drinking sugary drinks with high-fructose corn syrup leads to fat building up in the liver — and if you change this protein, it could reduce that fat buildup by over 80%.

What we've found so far does not support the idea that apoCIII mediates liver fat buildup from high-fructose corn syrup in young adults. Our current analysis shows the evidence leans against this claim. We reviewed the available assertions about apoCIII and liver fat accumulation in young adults consuming high-fructose corn syrup. Out of one assertion examined, 54.0 refute the idea that apoCIII plays a mediating role in this process [1]. The single assertion suggested that apoCIII might explain how sugary drinks lead to liver fat buildup and that altering this protein could reduce fat accumulation by over 80% [1]. However, the weight of the evidence we've reviewed contradicts this possibility. We do not see enough support to conclude that apoCIII is a key player in how high-fructose corn syrup affects liver fat in young adults. The evidence we've reviewed leans toward it not being a mediator in this specific process. That said, our analysis is based on limited assertions, and science evolves as new data emerges. We remain open to updating our understanding as more evidence becomes available. For now, if you're focused on reducing liver fat, limiting sugary drinks remains a well-supported step — but the role of apoCIII in this process does not appear to be backed by the current evidence we've analyzed.