In recent years, “soda water,” as a representative of health-oriented beverages, has garnered increasing popularity among consumers. A research report predicts that the domestic soda water market will exceed 30 billion yuan by 2025.
Marketing claims such as “soda water is alkaline and good for your health” and “drinking soda water can help you have a son” have occasionally drawn attention. Many consumers believe that soda water not only has a better taste than purified water but is also healthier compared to carbonated soft drinks.
During an interview with China News Health, we discovered that consumers typically prioritize “mild alkalinity” as a primary factor when selecting soda water. However, the reality may be different than commonly perceived.
In a recent investigation, 12 popular soda water brands were tested for their pH levels. Under controlled conditions with an ambient temperature of approximately 27.5°C, only 7 out of the 12 brands were found to be alkaline. Some soda waters even exhibited acidic characteristics with a pH level below 7.
“This is primarily because some soda waters contain carbon dioxide that, when combined with water, forms carbonic acid. Just like purified water, which can dissolve carbon dioxide from the air, soda water can also be slightly acidic,” explained Zhong Kai, director of the Center for Food and Health Information Communication.
It is important to note that “soda water” is not synonymous with “alkaline water.” Alkaline water has a pH value greater than 7. Even though soda water contains sodium bicarbonate, the addition of citric acid or high levels of carbon dioxide can cause it to appear acidic. Therefore, not all soda waters can be labeled as “alkaline water.”
To meet consumer demand for alkaline water, some businesses may misleadingly market their soda waters as such. For instance, products like Pure Water’s soda water, Perrier, and Watson’s all have a pH below 7, but their official customer service departments claim their offerings are alkaline.
China News Health also found that the generally available soda waters fall into two categories: natural soda water and artificially carbonated drinks. Natural soda water refers to naturally occurring sodium bicarbonate solutions found in nature, which is slightly alkaline and rich in trace elements such as boron, zinc, selenium, and chromium. In contrast, artificially carbonated drinks involve adding sodium bicarbonate to purified water along with flavor-enhancing additives.
Many consumers have been drawn to soda water for reasons such as neutralizing stomach acid, promoting uric acid excretion, alleviating gout symptoms, and even the myth that it influences the gender of offspring. “While some research indicates that mildly alkaline soda water can aid in dissolving and excreting uric acid, its effectiveness is limited,” noted registered dietitian Jin Xing. Claims regarding neutralizing stomach acid and alleviating gout symptoms remain scientifically contentious.
Recently, a rumor suggesting that a particular brand of mildly alkaline mineral water could help conceive male offspring drew significant attention. In response, gynecology expert He Xiaohong from Guangdong Reproductive Hospital stated that this claim lacks scientific validation; a fetus’s gender is determined by the sex chromosomes and has no direct correlation with the mother’s dietary choices.
A popular belief asserts that consumption of acidic foods increases the likelihood of having daughters, while alkaline foods favor having sons. However, Zhong pointed out that the human body’s acid-base balance is quite stable, with blood pH typically ranging between 7.35 and 7.45. “The body is a finely tuned buffering system, where numerous substances work in concert to maintain equilibrium,” he explained.
Regardless of food or drink consumption, the human body’s pH does not easily change. Even when ingesting strong acids like vinegar, the impact on pH is negligible. As for the notion of “alkaline water adjusting body chemistry,” experts clarify that the concept of an “acidic or alkaline human constitution” is unfounded.
Experts also advise against the long-term or excessive consumption of soda water, as it could pose health risks. “Most soda waters on the market have high sodium content and are artificially blended with various additives to enhance taste,” stated Ao Liyuan, a gastroenterologist at Fujian Second People’s Hospital. Long-term consumption could lead to adverse effects on the gastrointestinal system.
Experts recommend treating soda water as an occasional flavor enhancer rather than a primary source of hydration. “Drinking plenty of water is beneficial for health, but it has no special therapeutic effects. Plain water is a more economical and safe choice,” Jin Xing cautioned. For healthy individuals, excessive intake of soda water could lead to excessive sodium consumption, negatively affecting cardiovascular health. Additionally, for those with hypertension, high cholesterol, chronic kidney disease, or low stomach acid production issues, frequent consumption of soda water is also discouraged.
