Are There Benefits to Drinking Mineral Water?

January 1, 2026 •

3 min read

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), mineral water must contain at least 250 parts per million of naturally occurring dissolved solids. This unique mineral content, including essential elements like magnesium and calcium, is the primary reason many people wonder: are there benefits to drinking mineral water?

Quick Summary

This article examines the health benefits associated with drinking mineral water, explaining how its naturally occurring minerals can contribute to stronger bones, better heart health, and improved digestion. It also compares mineral water to tap water and covers potential drawbacks.

Key Points

Naturally Rich in Minerals: Mineral water provides bioavailable minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which the body can easily absorb.
Supports Bone Density: The high calcium and magnesium content can help strengthen bones and teeth, which is especially beneficial for bone health in adults.
Promotes Heart Health: Mineral water containing magnesium and calcium has been linked to lower blood pressure and improved cholesterol levels.
Aids Digestion and Constipation: Varieties rich in magnesium and bicarbonates can help relieve constipation and soothe indigestion.
Replenishes Electrolytes: The natural electrolytes help maintain fluid balance, crucial for active individuals and athletes.
Potential Drawbacks: Potential issues include high sodium content in some brands and environmental and microplastic concerns associated with plastic bottles.
Read Labels Carefully: The mineral composition and content vary by brand, so checking labels helps align your choice with specific health needs.

What Defines Mineral Water?

Mineral water originates from protected underground sources and is bottled at the source, ensuring a stable concentration of naturally absorbed minerals. Unlike other bottled water types, it cannot have minerals added artificially. The mineral composition varies by source and can include magnesium, calcium, sodium, potassium, and bicarbonates, influencing taste and health effects. Labels often indicate the total dissolved solids (TDS) as 'low' or 'high'.

Proven Health Benefits of Mineral Water

Drinking mineral water can offer several health benefits due to its unique mineral profile and the body's ability to easily absorb these naturally occurring compounds.

Promotes Stronger Bones

Mineral water, particularly calcium-rich varieties, is an effective source for bone health. Research indicates that the body absorbs calcium from mineral water as efficiently as from dairy. Adequate intake of calcium and magnesium is vital for bone density, especially for groups at higher risk of osteoporosis. For example, a Nutrients study in 2018 highlighted calcium-rich mineral waters as a bioavailable calcium source.

Supports Cardiovascular Health

Mineral water rich in magnesium and calcium may improve heart health. These minerals help regulate blood pressure, a key factor in heart disease. Studies, including one on individuals with borderline hypertension, demonstrated a significant blood pressure reduction after consuming mineral water. Some research on postmenopausal women also noted improved cholesterol levels with mineral water intake.

Aids Digestive Function

Magnesium in mineral water can aid digestion and relieve constipation by relaxing intestinal muscles and drawing water into the intestines. Carbonated mineral water may help those with indigestion by stimulating digestive juices, and bicarbonate-rich types can neutralize stomach acid for acid reflux relief.

A Source of Essential Electrolytes

Mineral water provides electrolytes like sodium and potassium, crucial for nerve and muscle function, hydration, and fluid balance. This makes it beneficial for athletes to replenish lost electrolytes.

Mineral Water vs. Tap Water: A Comparison

Choosing between mineral water and tap water involves weighing several factors, including mineral content, cost, and environmental impact.


Feature	Mineral Water	Tap Water
Mineral Content	Naturally high and stable concentration of minerals.	Variable mineral content, often lower and less consistent.
Purity and Treatment	Bottled at source, preserves natural purity with minimal treatment.	Undergoes chemical disinfection; may lose some minerals.
Targeted Health Benefits	Specific mineral profiles can target certain health benefits.	Primarily provides hydration; less targeted mineral benefits.
Cost	More expensive due to bottling and transport.	Most economical option.
Environmental Impact	Higher environmental footprint from packaging and transport.	Minimal environmental impact, especially with reusable containers.
Taste	Flavor influenced by unique mineral composition.	Taste can be affected by local treatment processes.

Potential Drawbacks and Considerations

While beneficial, mineral water has potential downsides. Some brands are high in sodium, a concern for individuals with hypertension. High magnesium intake might cause digestive issues. Microplastic contamination in bottled water is also a concern. Carbonated varieties can slightly erode tooth enamel over time, though less than sugary drinks. A balanced diet remains the best way to get essential minerals; mineral water is a supplement, not a replacement.

Conclusion

Mineral water offers benefits beyond hydration due to its rich, bioavailable minerals. Calcium and magnesium support bone density and heart health, while other properties aid digestion. While tap water is a safe, affordable, and eco-friendly daily option, mineral water can be a targeted supplement. Consider mineral composition labels and choose products aligning with your health needs and values, perhaps opting for glass bottles to reduce plastic waste. For information on water quality, consult resources like the FDA.

Additional Resources

U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Bottled Water Everywhere

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, calcium-rich mineral water is an excellent source of dietary calcium. Studies have confirmed that the body absorbs calcium from mineral water just as effectively as from milk, making it a viable alternative for those who don't consume dairy.

For most people, mineral water is safe and beneficial. However, some brands have high sodium levels, which could be an issue for those with high blood pressure. Excessive consumption of certain types might also cause digestive discomfort due to high mineral content.

The primary difference lies in the mineral content requirements. Mineral water must contain a minimum of 250 ppm of naturally occurring dissolved solids. Spring water is also from a natural source but has no required minimum mineral level and can be treated more extensively.

Plain sparkling mineral water is more acidic than still water due to carbonation, which can potentially cause slight tooth enamel erosion over time. However, this effect is far less significant than with sugary sodas. For people with sensitivity, still mineral water is a better choice.

It depends on your priorities. Mineral water offers a consistent and often higher concentration of beneficial minerals. Tap water is a more economical, environmentally friendly, and safe option for daily hydration, though its mineral content is less predictable.

Mineral water naturally contains a variety of minerals, with the exact composition depending on the source. Common minerals include magnesium, calcium, potassium, sodium, bicarbonates, and sulfates.

For most healthy individuals, drinking mineral water daily is safe and can be beneficial. It is important to read the label and ensure the mineral content, particularly sodium, aligns with your dietary needs.