The harmful effects of alcohol and sugary drinks on health are no longer in doubt. Is mineral water without defects?
In a country where drinking water is omnipresent in homes, half of French people say they prefer bottled mineral water to tap water. According to a Toluna Harris interactive survey for the PRO BTP health observatory, published on January 12, 2024, 51% of respondents find that bottled mineral water tastes better and for 41%, it is even better for the body. However, mineral water is the subject of comments, it is not recommended to consume it daily, but do we know why? To tell the truth, the French seem to have little interest in the origin and composition of the water they consume.
Bottled water, still or sparkling, what are we talking about when we talk about natural mineral water? It is a “microbiologically healthy” water of underground origin, and which is distinguished by “its nature” and “its original purity”, indicates the Public Health Code, which strictly regulates this designation. Its marketing is also subject to significant controls. According to UFC-Que Choisir, mineral waters “do not meet the same regulations as tap water”. Some cannot be integrated into the public distribution network, because they can reach high mineral contents that are not tolerated for tap water, but does this mean that they are bad for your health?
Actually no, mineral waters are not bad for your health or your kidneys, although due to their high mineral content, it is recommended not to consume them daily. As such, the WHO asks consumers to pay attention to the composition of the water they drink and insists on the need to consume water with a high calcium and magnesium content.
The question arises more about sparkling mineral water, whose acidity and the presence of sodium are sometimes associated with a risk for the kidneys. Sparkling water is acidic due to the carbonation of water, that is, the addition of carbon dioxide to the water. But it does not make the body more acidic, because it easily eliminates the excess carbon dioxide it ingests, thanks to the kidneys and lungs. There is no scientific proof, moreover, that the mineralization of sparkling water is linked to the appearance of kidney stones.
A Australian study suggests that “bottled sparkling water […] may be preferred for the prevention of calcium oxalate stones,” the main components of kidney stones, because it provides “on average higher levels of calcium, bicarbonate and magnesium” than tap water. It also helps the body eliminate toxins from the kidneys and cramps, and can even be used to reduce soda consumption. So no need to worry, water is still the best drink in the world.