Alkaline Water Damages Heart Muscle in Rat Study
- Authors
- Toshi Watanabe, Yoshihiro Kishikawa
- Journal
- Journal of Veterinary Medical Science
- Year
- 1998
- DOI
- 10.1292/jvms.60.245
- Study Type
- Rat
- Outcome
- Negative
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- Japan
- Health Condition
- Myocardial Necrosis
- Body System
- Cardiovascular
TL;DR
Drinking alkaline ionized water caused heart damage in young rats due to changes in heart muscle enzyme activities.
Key Finding
Rats given alkaline ionized water showed degradation of heart muscle proteins and disrupted energy-producing enzyme activity, which was associated with heart tissue damage (necrosis and scarring).
Summary
Researchers gave rats alkaline ionized water (water treated to increase pH and mineral content) and compared heart muscle proteins to rats that drank regular tap water. They found that the rats drinking alkaline ionized water had changes in heart muscle enzymes—specifically, certain enzymes that help muscles contract became more active while another enzyme involved in energy production became less active. These changes appeared to damage the heart tissue.
Practical Takeaway
This is an animal study in rats, not humans, so its relevance to people is unclear. The study suggests alkaline ionized water may affect heart muscle metabolism in rats, but we cannot conclude it causes the same effects in humans without human research. Anyone with heart concerns should consult a healthcare provider before consuming alkaline ionized water.
Abstract (excerpt)
Recently, the authors have shown that marked necrosis and fibrosis of myocardium were observed in rats given alkaline ionized water (AKW). To clarify the cause of myocardial lesions, the activities of myosin ATPase, actomyosin ATPase and creatine kinase (CK) in myocardium of rats given AKW at 15…