When attempting to reduce their use of carbonated beverages, some people turn to carbonated water, such as sparkling water. In fact, research published in the journal Medicine in September 2020 found that within a decade, there was a rise in demand for sparkling water among Americans.

So, it's natural to ask what goes into various brands of carbonated water and what advantages they offer. We contacted Marisa Moore, RDN, an Atlanta-based nutritionist, to get her to take on this water.

What Is Seltzer Water?

Carbon dioxide gas is dissolved in water to create a seltzer. Pressurized carbon dioxide gas is injected into water, producing bubbles. Water and carbon dioxide combine to form carbonic acid, a weak acid that gives seltzer water its characteristic tanginess. Although it is not as alkaline as other drinks, it is still more acidic than water.

Which Varieties of Carbonated Water Are Available?

Seltzer Water

Seltzer, known as sparkling water, is carbonated artificially to produce larger, sharper bubbles. There is nothing in there but water. However, you may get naturally flavored lemon and lime variants from companies like Polar, Canada Dry, and Schweppes.

Sparkling Mineral Water

Sparkling mineral water, such as San Pellegrino and Perrier, is bottled directly from the source, retaining its original mineral composition and carbonation levels (though San Pellegrino adds some extra fizz). Mineral water is organically derived and typically imported, so it's a bit more expensive than other carbonated waters, but it's less acidic.

Club Soda

Club soda is just a seltzer with some extra flavorings. Club soda's distinctive salty, mineral flavor comes from a combination of salt, potassium bicarbonate, and potassium sulfate. Nonetheless, most people can't tell the difference in flavor. Companies like Schweppes and Canada Dry sell their versions of club soda.

Tonic Water

Tonic water would be carbonated water that is comparable to club soda. Tonic water is distinguished from other forms of water primarily by the presence of the alkaloid quinine. As reported in the February 2021 issue of Organic Letters, quinine, which has a long history of treating malaria, is now commonly employed as a flavoring agent in tonic water. You can get tonic water from companies like Canada Dry, Schweppes, and Seagrams.

Is Carbonated Water as Good as Flat?

Moore responded, "Yes, it is." You can satisfy your daily fluid requirements with a glass of carbonated water. The CDC flavored fluids, including seltzer, sparkling water, and fruit-infused waters, as part of a balanced diet. Carbonated water is a perfect substitute if you're trying to stop the soda habit. It has the same refreshing fizz as soda but none of the calories or health dangers (weight gain, diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease).

Does Carbonated Water Erode Bones?

According to Moore, the idea that drinking carbonated water increases one's risk of osteoporosis by interfering with calcium absorption is completely unfounded. Moore also stated that there is "no good evidence" that drinking carbonated water alone is harmful to skeletal health.

However, it may affect your teeth—the formation of carbonic acid when water is carbonated results in a decrease in the water's pH. When teeth are exposed to settings with a pH level of less than 4.0, erosion can occur, as reported in a December 2015 research published in the Journal of the American Dental Association.

As a result, drinking acidic beverages (including some forms of carbonated water) can lead to dental enamel erosion. Sensitivity and cavities are two potential consequences of enamel deterioration. 6

Why Are Carbonated Drinks Sweet?

It's important to remember that just because a drink is clear, carbonated, and calorie-free doesn't always make it water. 5

Some diet drinks with artificial sweeteners are disguised as seltzer on the market. Looking at the list of ingredients is the only surefire method to tell if the beverage in question is, in fact, seltzer water. Aspartame and other artificial sweeteners are telltale signs that what you're looking at isn't plain carbonated water. 4

However, you may sweeten or flavor your carbonated water in various ways. Lemon, mint, and cucumber are just a few examples of low-cal fruit and herb additions that may be included in any drink. 2

Carbonated water is one option worth considering if you're looking for a way to remain hydrated without succumbing to soda addiction. 1