MJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health noted that a study conducted by scientists from Kyushu University in Japan showed that carbon dioxide dissolved in carbonated water can boost the rate at which cells absorb glucose.
The study's authors found that carbon dioxide in sparkling water turns into bicarbonate when it enters the bloodstream, raising the pH inside red blood cells and activating glycolysis—the basic metabolic process by which cells begin using sugar for energy.
The researchers compared this effect to what occurs during dialysis sessions, where increased carbon dioxide levels stimulate cellular metabolism in both cases. Although the drop in blood sugar recorded in the study was slight, the discovered mechanism demonstrates that carbon dioxide has a potential role in regulating energy metabolism.
Scientists emphasized that carbonated water "is not a weight loss aid," but it may induce a mild feeling of fullness and lower blood glucose levels for a short period. They believe this effect merits further research, particularly in efforts to prevent metabolic disorders.
