Fifty to 60 percent of our total body composition is composed of water. Life would not exist on earth without this necessary chemical substance. Unfortunately, the Environmental Protection Agency reports that "the earth's water supply is limited and threatened by pollution." While government-run filtration plants and bottling companies are responsible for delivering safe drinking water, we need to take a look at what else is in the bottled water we drink.
Calories
Bottled and tap water have absolutely no calories. However, "special waters" such as Vitamin Water, has about 50 calories per eight ounce serving. Keep in mind that each bottle can be two to three servings. Therefore, you may be consuming an additional 250 calories per bottle.
Carbohydrates, Fats and Protein
Bottled water contains absolutely no carbohydrates, fats or protein. This is one reason why drinking water is beneficial to weight loss. However, Vitamin Water contains about 13 to 15 grams of carbohydrates per eight ounces serving. The recommendations for the amount of water that you drink daily depends on multiple factors. To simplify, the Mayo Clinic recommends that you drink enough fluid so that you do not feel thirsty and that you produce a colorless to slightly yellow urine.
Vitamins
Unless you are drinking Vitamin Water, there are no vitamins in regular bottled water. Many bottling companies are beginning to supplement water with vitamins because most Americans do not consume enough through eating fruits and vegetables. However, these beverages usually cost considerably more than bottled water. Drinking vitamin supplemented water will likely not be beneficial to your health if you are meeting the five fruit and vegetable a day recommendation.
Minerals
Most bottled waters do have small amounts of minerals. This is either secondary to imperfect filtration or supplementation by bottling companies. The two most common minerals are calcium and fluoride. In small amounts, these minerals are beneficial. Calcium is necessary for bone strength, nerve signaling and muscle function. Fluoride is a necessary supplement for healthy teeth. The CDC reports that the small amounts of fluoride in bottled water can contribute to oral health. These trace amounts of minerals are also found in tap water.
Caution
Water may seem harmless, but too much of anything can be bad for you. A study by the American Journal of Physiology, Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology, showed that too much water can significantly increase blood pressure. This is important if you have high blood pressure and are taking diuretics. Also be aware of high water intake because of excessive thirst. This can be a side effect of medications, or a symptom of new-onset diabetes. Let your doctor know immediately if you have dry mouth or excessive thirst.
References
- EPA: What on Earth Do You Know About Water?
- Brown C., Barberini L., Dulloo A., Montani, J. (2005). Cardiovascular responses to water drinking: does osmolality play a role? American Journal of Physiology, Regulatory, Integrative, and Comparative Physiology. 289:1687-1692, 2005.
- Mayo Clinic: How much water should you drink?
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