This randomized-controlled crossover trial involved 64 adults with moderate hypercholesterolemia. Participants were assigned to consume 1 liter per day of either sodium-bicarbonated mineral water (BW) or control mineral water low in minerals (CW) alongside their main meals for eight weeks. This was followed by an eight-week washout period. The study measured various cardiometabolic risk biomarkers including blood lipids, glucose, insulin, aldosterone, urine pH, urinary electrolytes, blood pressure, body weight, and overall fluid, energy, and nutrient intake from diet and beverages.

The intervention led to a decrease in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and glucose levels, with a trend towards lower oxidized LDL. Apolipoprotein B increased, but there was no significant difference between the types of water consumed. The study also observed a decrease in energy and carbohydrate intake from beverages, attributed to a reduction in soft drink and fruit juice consumption. BW specifically increased urinary pH and reduced calcium/creatinine excretion, indicating a moderate alkalizing effect on the body, without impacting blood pressure. Overall, consuming 1 liter of mineral water daily appeared to reduce cardiometabolic risk biomarkers, likely due to the replacement of sugary beverages with water.