A recent study published in BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health suggests that drinking sparkling water may contribute to weight loss by affecting glucose metabolism and red blood cell uptake. The study, authored by Akira Takahashi, indicates that while these findings are promising, they remain theoretical and need further clinical research involving human participants. The potential health benefits of sparkling water, including its impact on weight loss and glucose regulation, warrant additional investigation to verify these effects.
The study highlights the potential for sparkling water to increase red blood cell uptake and improve glucose metabolism. Takahashi explains that when carbonated water is consumed, carbon dioxide (CO₂) is absorbed into the blood vessels in the stomach. This CO₂ then penetrates the lipid membranes of red blood cells, converting into bicarbonate ions by carbonic anhydrase. This process increases the alkalinity of the red blood cells, promoting glycolysis, which consumes glucose and potentially lowers blood glucose levels.
“When carbonated water is consumed, CO₂ is absorbed into the blood vessels in the stomach. This CO₂ rapidly penetrates the lipid membranes of red blood cells and is converted into bicarbonate ions by carbonic anhydrase, increasing the alkalinity of the red blood cells. This alkalinity promotes glycolysis, which consumes glucose in red blood cells and lowers blood glucose levels.” — Akira Takahashi, report author
Dr. Mir Ali, a board-certified general surgeon and medical director at MemorialCare Surgical Weight Loss Center, commented on the study to Medical News Today. He acknowledged the intriguing nature of the research but emphasized that it remains theoretical. Ali noted that further studies are necessary to compare the effects of carbonated versus non-carbonated water on human subjects. He also mentioned that carbonated water has been associated with other potential health benefits, such as aiding in constipation relief.
“This is an interesting study, though it is theoretical and requires clinical research in people comparing consumption of carbonated water vs non-carbonated water. If studies in humans show a benefit of carbonated water, then it may be an adjunct to a healthy diet.” — Mir Ali, MD
“The potential benefits are largely unknown, though there have been some studies that show carbonated water may aid in constipation relief,” — Mir Ali, MD
Ali further elaborated on the minor impact of carbonated water on glucose consumption during hemodialysis. He pointed out that during a four-hour session of hemodialysis, approximately 9.5 grams of glucose are consumed. However, since the provision of CO₂ through drinking carbonated water is significantly shorter than hemodialysis duration, its effect on glucose consumption is negligible and unlikely to contribute to weight loss.
“During a four-hour session of hemodialysis, only about 9.5g of glucose is consumed. Since drinking carbonated water provides CO₂ for a much shorter period than hemodialysis, its effect on glucose consumption is negligible and does not contribute to weight loss.” — Mir Ali, MD
Takahashi emphasized that continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) could be valuable for verifying the effects of sparkling water on blood glucose levels. This technology could provide real-time data and help determine whether sparkling water offers measurable benefits in regulating glucose levels.
“While drinking carbonated water may lead to temporary glucose consumption in the blood near the stomach, further research is needed to confirm this effect.” — Akira Takahashi, report author
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