EFFECT OF CARBONATED WATER ON GASTRIC-EMPTYING AND INTRAGASTRIC MEAL DISTRIBUTION

Carbonated water has long been advocated to relieve dyspeptic symptoms , suggesting that it may alter gastric motility via gastric distension . This study aimed to determine the effect of carbonated water on gast ric emptying of a radiolabeled mixed meal in eight healthy volunteers. Meal emptying and its distribution within the stomach were assessed w ith carbonated and still water in a crossover study. Emptying of both solid and liquid, including the duration of the lag phase, was identic al for both drinks. However, the proximal stomach contained a greater proportion of solids (74 +/- 7% vs 56 +/- 8%, P < 0.05) and liquids (4 3 +/- 5% vs 27 +/- 4%, P < 0.05) with carbonated water as opposed to s till water. Retention of the meal within the proximal stomach ended wi th the lag phase and was likely related to proximal distension. In con clusion, carbonated water did not alter overall gastric emptying but p rofoundly modified intragastric distribution of the meal.