by Stephen Janowsky

Created on: July 22, 2008   Last Updated: December 01, 2011

Mineral water is categorized by its purity at source, its content in minerals, trace elements and other constituents, its conservation and its healing properties. Based on total salt content, mineral waters can be classified as: waters with a very low mineral content, waters low in mineral content, waters with a medium mineral content, and strongly mineralized waters. Based on ion composition, mineral waters can be classified as: bicarbonate waters, sulfate waters, and sodium chloride or saltwater. Based on biological activity, mineral waters are usually classified as: diuretic waters, cathartic waters, waters with anti-inflammatory properties (Petraccia, 2006). But mineral water seems to have much more health benefits for various organ and systems, depending on its specific composition.

Skin hydration. Measurements of skin thickness and density before and after consumption of mineral versus tap water showed that mineral water might have a superior skin hydrating effect (Williams, 2007).

Calcium metabolism. High-calcium mineral waters can provide significant amounts of calcium to the body (Heaney, 2006). A few years ago, a combined analysis of the most relevant existing studies showed that calcium absorption from mineral waters was significantly higher than that from dairy products (Bohmer, 2000). Such waters are thus recommended to achieve optimal calcium requirements, especially in aged people with lactose intolerance (Wynckel, 1997).

Kidney stones. The vast majority of kidney stones are made of calcium oxalate salts that precipitate in the urine. On the other hand, urinary citrate, magnesium, and alkaline (high) pH are some of the main factors that impede stone formation. In people who drink water with high and medium calcium contents, calcium urinary elimination may slightly increase; however, oxalate elimination significantly decreases, as well as the oxalate-to-calcium ratio. Therefore, high-calcium mineral waters do not favor but, quite the opposite, they prevent kidney stones (Caudarella, 1998). Moreover, consumption of mineral waters rich in magnesium and bicarbonate can increase urinary pH, magnesium, and citrate (Siener, 2004) and decrease calcium oxalate concentration (Kessler & Hesse, 2000).

Tooth cavities. An Italian survey among schoolchildren found that consumption of commercial bottled mineral water prevents dental caries of the primary dentition (Perinetti, 2005).

Osteoporosis. Consumption of high-calcium mineral water was shown to decrease

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