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[NOTE: I know this is a late addition, but I've been meaning to give the topic a more complete and organized reply for some time now if for no other reason than as a reference for the next time a similar inquiry comes around.]
With the exception of a very small number of nitrogenated beers, mostly European, the bubbles in fizzy drinks, including all sodas, are composed of carbon dioxide (CO2), not nitrogen (N2). And of course it is the latter thats the gaseous culprit in DCS in recreational divers.
Gas bubbles cannot enter the circulatory system from the GI system under anything resembling normal circumstances. It is theoretically possible that bubbles could enter blood circulation as a result of gastric or intestinal barotrauma, but it would be an extraordinary situation where expanding bubbles would breach the GI wall rather than be expelled from one or the other ends of the alimentary tract (i.e., flatulence or belching).
Small amounts of gas from swallowed CO2 bubbles might pass into venous circulation in a dissolved state. However, if this occurred the gas would be rapidly dispersed in the blood coursing to the heart and off-gassed without issue. C02 readily binds to the hemoglobin in venous red blood cells and is then transported to the lungs where it is eventually exhaled. BTW, dissolved N2 passing from the GI tract to venous circulation wouldnt be transported by red blood cells, but nonetheless would wend its way to the lungs and be off-gassed in the same way as C02.
You also mention the caffeine common to carbonated cola drinks. While that chemical does mildly increase the excretion of urine, this is only in amounts much greater than contained in a can or bottle of normally caffeinated soda. Given sensible consumption, caffeines contribution to dehydration, and therefore possibly to DCS, is negligible.
As for the sugars in sweetened soft drinks, these may promote obesity, diabetes and tooth decay, but in anything remotely resembling sensible quantities make no meaningful contribution to dehydration.
Regards,
DocVikingo
This is educational only and does not constitute or imply a doctor-patient relationship. It is not medical advice to you or any other individual and should not be construed as such. Consult with your physician.
With the exception of a very small number of nitrogenated beers, mostly European, the bubbles in fizzy drinks, including all sodas, are composed of carbon dioxide (CO2), not nitrogen (N2). And of course it is the latter thats the gaseous culprit in DCS in recreational divers.
Gas bubbles cannot enter the circulatory system from the GI system under anything resembling normal circumstances. It is theoretically possible that bubbles could enter blood circulation as a result of gastric or intestinal barotrauma, but it would be an extraordinary situation where expanding bubbles would breach the GI wall rather than be expelled from one or the other ends of the alimentary tract (i.e., flatulence or belching).
Small amounts of gas from swallowed CO2 bubbles might pass into venous circulation in a dissolved state. However, if this occurred the gas would be rapidly dispersed in the blood coursing to the heart and off-gassed without issue. C02 readily binds to the hemoglobin in venous red blood cells and is then transported to the lungs where it is eventually exhaled. BTW, dissolved N2 passing from the GI tract to venous circulation wouldnt be transported by red blood cells, but nonetheless would wend its way to the lungs and be off-gassed in the same way as C02.
You also mention the caffeine common to carbonated cola drinks. While that chemical does mildly increase the excretion of urine, this is only in amounts much greater than contained in a can or bottle of normally caffeinated soda. Given sensible consumption, caffeines contribution to dehydration, and therefore possibly to DCS, is negligible.
As for the sugars in sweetened soft drinks, these may promote obesity, diabetes and tooth decay, but in anything remotely resembling sensible quantities make no meaningful contribution to dehydration.
Regards,
DocVikingo
This is educational only and does not constitute or imply a doctor-patient relationship. It is not medical advice to you or any other individual and should not be construed as such. Consult with your physician.
