What Does Carbonated Water Do to Your Body?

TL;DR

Carbonated drinks don't harm teeth like believed; phosphoric acid in colas can cause issues.

Transcript

Thanks to Brilliant for supporting this episode of SciShow. Go to Brilliant.org/SciShow to learn more about their course The Chemical Reaction. [ ♪ INTRO ] As a species, we love carbonated drinks. The fizz on our tongues, the distinct stinging and pungent sensation — bubbles can just make our drinks more fun. But carbonation also gets a bad rap. Se... Read More

Key Insights

• 💝 Carbonation in drinks is harmless as it produces a weaker acid than phosphoric acid found in colas.
• 🥺 Phosphoric acid in colas adds flavor and prevents bacteria growth but can lead to kidney stones with excessive intake.
• 🧑‍⚕️ Phosphorus is crucial for various bodily functions but overconsumption of phosphoric acid can have negative health consequences.

Questions & Answers

Q: Is carbonation harmful to teeth?

No, carbonic acid in carbonated drinks is weaker than phosphoric acid in colas which poses greater risks like kidney stones and enamel erosion.

Q: Why is phosphoric acid added to colas?

Phosphoric acid adds tartness, balances sweetness, prevents bacteria growth, but excessive intake can lead to health issues like kidney stones.

Q: How does phosphoric acid cause kidney stones?

Phosphoric acid changes urine composition, causing a rise in oxalate which can crystallize in the bladder, leading to the formation of kidney stones.

Q: What is the role of phosphorus in the body?

Phosphorus is vital for healthy teeth, bones, kidney function, energy storage, and plays a role in DNA and RNA, but excessive artificial intake can have negative health effects.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Carbonation generates bubbles in drinks, attributed to carbonic acid but it's harmless.

• Phosphoric acid in colas contributes to flavor and preservation, but excessive intake leads to kidney stones.

• While carbonic acid may slightly affect enamel, phosphoric acid in colas poses greater health risks.