Four myths about sparkling water, debunked
When it comes to still or sparkling water, the majority of Britons lean towards still water - however, around 20% of people are firm fans of the fizzy stuff, according to a 2023 YouGov poll.
Whether you love it or hate it, sparkling water is a staple in the UK and Europe. Germans are the biggest lovers of sparkling water, with an estimated 78% of all bottled water consumed in the country being bubbly, and it’s popular in Spain, Poland, the Netherlands, and France.
Despite its prevalence, there are a few myths around sparkling water that some people believe. A recent study has also thrown a new question into the mix: can sparkling water help us lose weight?
To help you decide between still or sparkling, we took a closer look at the popular myths that have bubbled up around carbonated water over the years.
⚖️ Can sparkling water help you lose weight?
A new report, published in the BMJ journal Nutrition, Prevention and Health, suggests that drinking sparkling water can support weight loss.
Author Akira Takahashi of the Tesseikai Neurosurgery Hospital in Shijonawate, Japan, wrote that the carbon dioxide content in sparkling water "may promote weight loss by enhancing glucose uptake and metabolism in red blood cells".
However, the report is accompanied by a caveat. Takahashi says the "amount is so small that it is difficult to expect weight loss effects solely from the CO2 in carbonated water".
Commenting on the report, Professor Keith Frayn, emeritus Professor of Human Metabolism at University of Oxford, said the report has "no experimental data to support a claim that fizzy drinks may aid weight loss".
He added that he was "skeptical" about the claim and explained that red blood cells "cannot fully 'burn' the glucose, and it will be recycled by the liver".
"If fizzy drinks were to be shown to lead to weight loss, it would much more likely be through the effects on feelings of fullness," Prof Frayn said.
🦷 Can sparkling water ruin your teeth?
An oft-repeated myth about sparkling water is that it’s bad for your teeth. But is that true? Some dentists say it’s "as bad for your teeth as fizzy [soft] drinks", while others say it’s not that bad - but still water is better.
The concern stems from the acidity levels in sparkling water, which are slightly higher than still water.
Sparkling water gets its fizz when carbon dioxide reacts with water, creating carbonic acid. This is a weak acid that gives sparking water its slightly tart flavour, and, according to the American Dental Association, is “minimally corrosive”.
Experts from the Harley Street Dental Studio advise swearing off sparkling water altogether to protect your teeth. They say on their website: "Acids are very damaging to the teeth, as they weaken the enamel surfaces, making the teeth vulnerable to decay and sensitivity."
But Carolyn Bampton, a dental nurse at Life Dental and Wellbeing, writes that any damage from fizzy water alone "would appear to be small when well-managed".
She adds: "There have been saturation tests comparing sparkling water and regular water on teeth erosion and surprisingly the erosion levels were actually very similar."
It’s when your sparkling water is zhushed up with flavourings and sweeteners that it will have a more detrimental effect on your teeth. So if you’re opting for sparkling water, make sure to have it plain to keep acidity to a minimum, or drink it through a straw to avoid tooth exposure.
🪨 Can sparkling water increase your risk of kidney stones?
There are different types of sparkling water, depending on source and how it gets carbonated. But sparkling mineral water that comes from underground springs is believed by some to cause kidney stones.
The fizzy water that comes from these natural sources usually have calcium and magnesium. And because kidney stones are usually formed following a build-up of certain chemicals - most commonly calcium - you can see where the idea that sparkling water leads to kidney stones may have come from.
However, experts say this isn’t the case. Urologist Scott Miller and kidney dietitian Melanie Betz both say sparkling water contains such small amounts of minerals that are naturally occurring that they do not affect kidney stone formation.
However, there are many different brands of sparkling water out there, all of which have varying mineral content. One study found that, in terms of calcium content, the overall calcium concentration in sparkling waters across Europe "could be 200 times as high in one country compared to another".
The scientists warned that patients with kidney stone disease "should be aware that the mineral content of water may influence stone formation", and to check the mineral composition of sparkling water brands before drinking.
❤️🔥 Can sparkling water cause heartburn?
If you’ve ever been hit by heartburn, you’ll know that the painful, burning sensation in the middle of your chest is deeply uncomfortable. Despite the term, heartburn actually has nothing to do with your heart.
The condition is caused by stomach acid travelling up towards the throat. This is also known as acid reflux, and it usually occurs after eating, when lying down or when bending over.
Some people believe that sparkling water can be responsible for heartburn. This may be true, but not for everyone. Individuals who already struggle with acid reflux regularly, or with gas and bloating may feel that carbonated beverages like sparkling water can induce heartburn.
The NHS recommends avoiding fizzy drinks altogether if you are prone to acid reflux, as bubbles can rise from the stomach, carrying acid with them.
Read more about health and wellness:
Doctor reveals whether it is better to drink tap or bottled water (Yahoo Life UK, 6-min read)
Adding this fruit to water makes 'superpower' drink that boosts gut health and weight loss (SurreyLive, 2-min read)
Expert says how much water you should drink every day and mistake people make (WalesOnline, 1-min read)
