Are there any potential risks or side effects of drinking diet tonic water?
Diet tonic water is generally low-risk in normal amounts. The main points are quinine, which the FDA limits to 83 parts per million in carbonated beverages and requires to be disclosed on the label, and artificial sweeteners. People with phenylketonuria must avoid aspartame, and anyone on quinine medicine or with a medical condition should ask a doctor.
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In this article
Is diet tonic water safe to drink?
For most healthy adults, an occasional glass is considered low risk. Two ingredients matter: quinine and the sweeteners used in place of sugar.
How much quinine is in tonic water?
The FDA allows quinine as a flavor in carbonated beverages at not more than 83 parts per million (83 mg per liter, our conversion), and requires the label to disclose quinine, for example by putting the word in the product name. That amount is far below medicine doses. Quinine can cause side effects in some people, so people who take quinine drugs or who have been told to avoid quinine should ask a doctor or pharmacist before drinking tonic.
What about artificial sweeteners?
Diet tonic is sweetened with non-sugar sweeteners, and the type depends on the brand, so read the ingredients. The FDA states that aspartame is safe under approved conditions of use, and that people with phenylketonuria (PKU) should avoid or restrict it. Products with aspartame carry a label statement about phenylalanine. If a drink disagrees with you, cut back.
Who should be careful?
- People with PKU (check for the phenylalanine warning).
- Anyone with a known quinine allergy or who takes quinine medicine.
- People who are pregnant or have a medical condition: ask a doctor.
Does diet tonic help with weight or sugar?
It has fewer calories than regular tonic because it contains no sugar. Check the label for the exact calories and the serving size, and remember that mixers in a cocktail come with the alcohol.
When should you stop?
If you feel unwell after drinking tonic, stop and speak to a doctor or pharmacist.
People also ask
How much quinine is in diet tonic water?
The FDA limit is 83 parts per million in carbonated beverages, and quinine must be disclosed on the label.
Is diet tonic water bad for you?
Not in ordinary amounts for most people, but people with PKU, quinine sensitivity or certain conditions should check with a doctor.
Is aspartame safe?
The FDA says aspartame is safe under its approved conditions of use, except for people with phenylketonuria.
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