EFFECT OF SULPHUR-CONTAINING MINERAL WATER ON THE RENAL FUNCTION: A HUMAN INTERVENTIONAL STUDY

Varna basin mineral water is classified as sulphurous. This water is known to have beneficial effects on the human health but this knowledge is based currently on empirical data. The aim of the study was to receive scientific data about the metabolic and healthy effects of Varna mineral waters. A group of 50 healthy individuals consumed water with known mineral content from selected sources for 8 weeks. Biochemical parameters in blood and 24-hours urine were analyzed before and after the intervention. Results showed that after the intervention the mean plasma levels of creatinine and high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) decreased, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and diuresis increased significantly. Additionally, the renal function effectivity was assessed by excluding the diuresis factor for selected participants with lower diuresis at the end of the intervention. Changes in levels of creatinine and eGFR confirmed the improved kidney function. In conclusion, the healing potential of sulphurous mineral water from Varna basin is manifested by improved markers for kidney function and for inflammation. The results obtained in this study are the first scientific data in support of empirical data and could be of interest for specialists in the field of medicine and public health.