The surprising health benefits of sparkling water have been revealed in a new study

New research into the potential health benefits of sparkling water has revealed some surprising positives — but also some negatives.

The study suggests that carbonated water can help people lose weight by increasing glucose absorption and boosting metabolism, but researchers and other experts said the effect is actually very small.

Still, sparkling water can aid weight loss in more indirect ways, experts said, while warning of some potential downsides.

This research, published in BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Healthinvestigated claims that sparkling water is a potential aid to weight loss by speeding up digestion and lowering blood sugar levels.

“While many advocate its benefits, it is important to examine the underlying mechanisms more closely,” said researcher Dr. Akira Takahashi.

A balanced diet and exercise will have a much greater effect on weight loss than carbonated water. (Getty/iStock)

To test this idea, Dr. Takahashi compared the process of drinking carbonated water to hemodialysis, where the blood is filtered to remove waste products and excess water. In this process, the blood becomes alkaline and produces carbon dioxide.

In a similar process, the carbon dioxide in the carbonated water is absorbed through the stomach lining and converted into bicarbonate – an alkali – in the red blood cells.

Dr. Takahashi said that the alkalinization process accelerates the absorption of glucose in red blood cells, adding, however, that the amount is so small that it is difficult to expect weight-loss effects from the CO2 in sparkling water alone.

A balanced diet and regular exercise remain “important components of sustainable weight management,” he said.

Dr. Takahashi noted that drinking carbonated water has potential negative effects, especially for those with sensitive stomachs.

He said: The primary concerns include bloating, gas and in some cases the exacerbation of some symptoms related to digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome or gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Moderation is key to avoid discomfort while still enjoying the potential metabolic benefits of sparkling water.

Experts warn that plain water may be better for dental health (Allami / P)

Catherine Collins, a nutritionist in intensive care for the NHS, said Dr Takahashi had reviewed his older research on dialysis for the short report and found that fizzy drinks had little effect on the blood in healthy people who did not suffer from end-stage kidney disease. has PH levels

Can sparkling water support weight loss? It’s sure to be interesting at this time of year, but – spoiler alert – the short answer from this British nutritionist is a resounding ‘no’.

However, substituting zero-calorie carbonated water for calorie-containing beverages may help with weight loss as part of a calorie-controlled diet by reducing calorie intake. Consuming a fizzy drink with meals has been shown to reduce calorie intake by inducing feelings of “fullness” in some studies, but has been shown to increase appetite in other studies.

Ms Collins said sparkling water was a low-calorie way to stay hydrated, but warned that plain water might be better for dental health.

“Its natural acidity, which comes from dissolved carbon dioxide bubbles, is not as ‘tooth-friendly’ as plain water,” he said.

Professor Keith Frain, emeritus professor of human metabolism and emeritus researcher at Templeton College Green, University of Oxford, said the study was a short theoretical report, with no empirical data to support the claim that fizzy drinks might help with weight loss.

“If fizzy drinks are shown to lead to weight loss, it’s likely to be through an effect on satiety,” he said.

However, in the meantime, sugar-sweetened sodas are known to be a source of extra calories and may be doing the opposite.