MadSci Network: Medicine
Query:

Re: Are there dangers associated with carbonated water?

Date: Thu Apr 15 21:33:02 1999
Posted By: John Epprecht, Medical student, UNESA, UNESA
Area of science: Medicine
ID: 921625872.Me
Message:

The reaction of carbonate with water generates an acid, but relax, it is not a strong acid, its name is carbonic acid (H2CO3), and we have significant quantities of it in our blood. Healthy people don't have any problems with this acid as the blood contains "buffers" which control the total amount of H+ or acid. Carbonic acid also degenerates very rapidly into water and CO2. This reaction produces bubbles in the water (bubbles of CO2). Our mouth, throat, esophagus have protection against weak acids using some substances secreted by cells of these parts.

The stomach is resistant to strong acids, like hydrochloric acid (HCl), produced by stomach to help digest food. Being resistant to strong acids, it is also very resistant to weak acids. You wouldn't have any problem drinking carbonated water, besides those "sounds".


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