EFFECT OF PEPSI BEVERAGES ON URINE pH, CRYSTALLURIA, AND URINARY CALCIUM EXCRETION

Background: Carbonated beverages are very popular worldwide. Carbonated beverage consumption vast increase raises great health concerns regarding their effect on calcium homeostasis besides obesity and renal function. Carbonated beverages sugar content, caffeine, and acidulant all can affect in a way or another calcium absorption, metabolism and excretion. The latter has direct effect on teeth, bone and general wellbeing. This study aims to reveal the effect of sub-chronic intake of carbonated beverage on urinary pH, crystalluria, calcium excretion. Methods: 21 healthy volunteers have been recruited in this study (9 males and 12 females) abstain for any carbonated beverages for at least the previous 4 weeks before participating in this study. Urine has been collected over 24 hours, the next day each volunteer has to drink 250 ml of carbonated beverage (Pepsi ® ) daily for 3 weeks. On the last day, urine was collected again over 24hr. pH, crystalluria, and calcium in urine have been measured. Results: Urine pH and crystalluria after 3 weeks' intake of 250 ml of carbonated beverage did not statistically differ from urine pH before the intake. Although, there was a trend toward reduction in pH and an increase in crystalluria. Total calcium excretion in urine increase was statistically significant when compared with calcium excretion at the study beginning. Conclusion: The regular intake of carbonated beverage (Pepsi ® ) increase calcium excretion. Thus, it may be advisable to increase the intake of milk or other dairy product to overcome the adverse impact of carbonated beverages.