The Myth
You'll occasionally hear that sparkling water doesn't hydrate, or that the carbonation "strips" water from the body, or that the CO₂ does something detrimental. None of these have meaningful evidence behind them.
What the Research Shows
Studies comparing still and sparkling water have generally found similar effects on hydration markers in healthy adults. The body absorbs the water from both equally well - the bubbles add carbon dioxide, which leaves the body via the lungs over the following minutes, but the water stays.
The one practical difference is volume tolerance - for some people, a litre of fizzy water is less comfortable to drink quickly than a litre of still. If that's you, sparkling is better as a sipping drink than a fast-volume drink.
Sparkling Mineral Water
Australian sparkling mineral waters (Mount Franklin Lightly Sparkling, San Pellegrino, Capi, etc.) contain naturally occurring minerals - calcium, magnesium, bicarbonate, sometimes sodium - though at modest concentrations compared to formulated electrolyte products. They're closer to a flavour-and-occasion drink than a hydration tool.
Tooth Enamel
A side note: sparkling waters are slightly acidic from the dissolved CO₂. The acidity is mild and well below soft drinks or fruit juice. Plain sparkling water isn't an enamel issue for most people; flavoured sparkling waters with added citrus extracts can be more acidic, so don't sip them all day if you're prone to dental sensitivity.
Bottom Line
Sparkling and still both hydrate. Pick whichever you'll actually drink in volume - that's the only variable that matters for daily intake.
Frequently Asked
Is sparkling water as hydrating as regular water?
Yes - studies have shown similar hydration effects in healthy adults. The CO2 leaves through the lungs; the water stays.
Is sparkling water bad for your teeth?
Plain sparkling water is mildly acidic but well below soft drinks. Flavoured sparkling waters with added citrus extracts are more acidic - moderate consumption is fine for most.
Does mineral water count toward hydration?
Yes. Sparkling and still mineral waters both contribute to daily fluid intake - the small amount of naturally-occurring minerals is a small bonus.
