Coca-Cola (not available in America) contains an extra ingredient, which the Wall Street Journal calls a laxative.
In fact, this zero-calorie drink contains dextrin, a dietary fiber. Dietary fiber, such as dextrin, can relax the bowels, but it is not a laxative as most people think. On the contrary, in proper dosage, dietary fiber can help calm and regulate the human digestive system. According to the Wall Street Journal, it is not entirely clear whether Japan has put a gold label on this drink because of its so-called laxative effect. [Dieters, beware: 9 misunderstandings that make you fat]
Dextrin is often sold as a health product in the United States, and some unreliable companies and health blogs think it may "absorb fat".
In fact, as Joanne Slavin, a nutrition researcher at the University of Minnesota, explained in a paper published in Nutrition magazine (20 13), fibers such as dextrin seem to have positive benefits for heart and intestinal health. However, as The Wall Street Journal also reported, large doses of dextrin can cause flatulence and swelling. It is not clear whether soda is a particularly healthy delivery mechanism.
If Japan encourages people to use Coca-Cola as a laxative to lose weight, it would be a big mistake. As reported in Life Science 20 14, trying to lose weight may make you sick, but it won't make you slim.
Originally published in the journal Life Science.