Tonic water is a soft drink containing quinine, which gives it a bitter taste. Quinine is a common treatment for malaria. Some people believe that it can also help with leg cramps and restless legs syndrome.
Quinine comes from the bark of the cinchona tree. This tree is native to central and South America, as well as some islands in the Caribbean and western parts of Africa.
Doctors continue to use quinine as a part of malaria treatment. However, it is typically a second-line treatment option and may have adverse effects at therapeutic doses.
Researchers cite the poor tolerability of the drug and the risk of severe health consequences as reasons to limit regular medicinal use.
As a food additive, quinine offers a bitter taste. Manufacturers usually add small amounts to tonic water.
Some people use tonic water to help treat nighttime leg cramps, but further research is necessary to prove its effectiveness and weigh this against the risk of side effects.
Experts consider quinine safe to consume in small doses. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved up to 83 parts per million in carbonated beverages.
The FDA also specifies that manufacturers must place quinine on the label for consumers to easily see.
Some people may experience allergic reactions to quinine. If this is the case, a person should avoid tonic water and any other products that contain quinine.
The amount of quinine in tonic water is not likely to interact with a person’s medication or cause issues for people with the medical conditions listed above. However, people should speak with a doctor before taking medication or supplements containing quinine.
What Is Tonic Water? Tonic water is a carbonated drink that contains a compound called quinine that creates its signature bitter taste. Manufacturers often add sugar to the drink to balance this bitterness, giving it a bitter and sweet taste, sometimes described as a citrus flavor.
Why is quinine banned?
The FDA does not approve or recommend quinine as a treatment for certain health conditions, such as nocturnal leg cramps, due to the risk of adverse health complications, including:
- heart arrhythmias
- acute kidney injury
- tinnitus
- nausea and vomiting
Many unapproved products containing quinine do not state these risks in their safety information. However, the FDA approved three companies to use quinine in malaria treatments with a boxed safety warning.
Tonic water may provide the following benefits:
- Some people believe tonic water helps with nocturnal leg cramps and restless legs syndrome.
- Some people will enjoy the flavor of tonic water.
- Drinking tonic water may help people stay hydrated.
Tonic water is a carbonated soft drink that may contain sugar and has little nutritional value. The quinine present in tonic water provides a distinctive bitter flavor.
While not dangerous, tonic water does not have any major benefits and could lead to an unnecessary increase in calorie consumption.
Quinine is very diluted in tonic water. The likelihood of a person experiencing any side effects from drinking tonic water is slim. However, side effects of quinine can include:
- ringing in the ears
- vomiting
- stomach cramps
- nervousness
- nausea
- diarrhea
- confusion
As a medication, quinine may have more severe side effects. Some of the possible side effects of taking quinine as a medication include:
- abnormal heartbeat
- kidney damage
- severe allergic reaction
- electrolyte imbalance
- vision or eye issues
- problems with bleeding
- thrombocytopenia — decreased blood platelets
- lung toxicity
People who regularly drink tonic water may also want to consider the extra sugar and calories that they are consuming. Soft drinks, including tonic water, have little nutritional value but contribute to a person’s daily calorie intake.
What does quinine do in the body?
As a malaria medication, quinine kills the parasite that causes malaria. In small doses, such as in a single glass of tonic water, quinine has little effect on the body, and the FDA considers it safe.
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FAQ
What soda contains quinine?
What beverages contain quinine?
Does Schweppes have quinine?
Is quinine in Diet Coke?
Which Gin & Tonic Water has the most quinine?
According to our research, Seagram’s contains the most quinine, with a concentration of 50mg/L. This is followed by Fever Tree and Q Mixers, both containing 40mg/L. Schweppes and Fentimans contain 30mg/L and 20mg/L, respectively. If you’re looking for the best tonic water for a gin and tonic, then look no further than Seagram’s.
What is the healthiest carbonated beverage one can drink?
The healthiest type of carbonated beverage is unflavored and unsweetened sparkling water. For example, Perrier and Pellegrino, are carbonated natural spring waters.
Does sparkling water have quinine?
Tonic water has quinine along with sugar or high-fructose corn syrup. Other sparkling waters or seltzers also have added sugars or artificial sweeteners, so it’s important to read the nutrition label before purchasing. If you struggle to drink regular water, sparkling water may be a good alternative.
Does tonic water have quinine?
Tonic water is a carbonated soft drink that may contain sugar and has little nutritional value. The quinine present in tonic water provides a distinctive bitter flavor. While not dangerous, tonic water does not have any major benefits and could lead to an unnecessary increase in calorie consumption. Quinine is very diluted in tonic water.