Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => Topic started by: redrooster on 05/09/2013 09:01:44

Title: Is carbon dioxide in fizzy drinks harmful?
Post by: redrooster on 05/09/2013 09:01:44

When I drink fizzy drinks I get a pleasant burning sensation in my soft palate from the bubbles. Is this harmful at all? 

Title: Re: Is carbon dioxide in fizzy drinks harmful?
Post by: evan_au on 06/09/2013 12:36:41

The dissolved carbon dioxide forms a weak acid, carbonic acid. I guess this could attack your teeth - but it's a lot milder than the phosphoric acid that some carbonated drinks also contain.

Title: Re: Is carbon dioxide in fizzy drinks harmful?
Post by: alancalverd on 06/09/2013 13:16:19

The key  word is "pleasant".

If you find anything enjoyable, it will be illegal, immoral, or fattening.

Title: Re: Is carbon dioxide in fizzy drinks harmful?
Post by: redrooster on 06/09/2013 14:37:55

Quote from: evan_au on 06/09/2013 12:36:41

The dissolved carbon dioxide forms a weak acid, carbonic acid. I guess this could attack your teeth - but it's a lot milder than the phosphoric acid that some carbonated drinks also contain.

       Phosphoric Acid!!! What drinks contain that? Do you know the code number that's used on the ingredients label so I can watch out for it? That sounds baaad.

Title: Re: Is carbon dioxide in fizzy drinks harmful?
Post by: Kryptid on 06/09/2013 17:03:15

Colas contain phosphoric acid.

Title: Re: Is carbon dioxide in fizzy drinks harmful?
Post by: evan_au on 07/09/2013 11:00:14

E338 is orthophosphoric acid (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E338#Aqueous_solution).
E290 is carbon dioxide (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E290).

See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E_number

Title: Re: Is carbon dioxide in fizzy drinks harmful?
Post by: CliffordK on 07/09/2013 11:44:31

The effects of an acid would depend on the dose.  I presume your cola has more carbonic acid than phosphoric acid which is included in the cola in small doses.  Citric acid and acetic acid are also commonly added to food.

Keep in mind that your body produces hydrochloric acid, as well as carbonic acid.  Of course, the hydrochloric acid is best kept in the stomach and can cause problems in the throat.

In the case of the cola, assuming the carbon dioxide is absorbed in the stomach and intestines, then it will pass through the blood stream as any other carbon dioxide and exhaled normally.  Of course, some is also belched out.

Title: Re: Is carbon dioxide in fizzy drinks harmful?
Post by: redrooster on 07/09/2013 15:07:29

I remember when we were out in the bush we used to put battery acid in cold water to make a nice tasting lemon drink.

Title: Re: Is carbon dioxide in fizzy drinks harmful?
Post by: CliffordK on 07/09/2013 15:35:49

Quote from: redrooster on 07/09/2013 15:07:29

I remember when we were out in the bush we used to put battery acid in cold water to make a nice tasting lemon drink.

A drop of sulfuric acid in a glass of water might not be bad.  However, I think I would avoid the lead and other contaminants. 

Title: Re: Is carbon dioxide in fizzy drinks harmful?
Post by: redrooster on 08/09/2013 02:31:10

Now there's another one of life's mysteries! Why does sulphuric acid taste like lemon instead of,well sulphur?