smartwater's pH: Distinguishing between product types
It is a common misconception that all smartwater products are alkaline with a high pH. This confusion arises because the brand offers several different versions of its bottled water. The original smartwater is vapor-distilled water with electrolytes added for taste, and its pH is typically neutral or slightly acidic. Several independent tests have reported its pH to be around 7.0 or even slightly lower, like 6.7. The specific product that is advertised with a high pH is smartwater alkaline with antioxidant. This particular variant is ionized to achieve a pH of 9.5 or higher. Therefore, the answer to whether smartwater is 9.5 pH depends entirely on which specific product you are referring to.
The vapor distillation process
The creation of both the standard and alkaline smartwater products begins with vapor distillation. This process is inspired by the natural water cycle and is designed to create a very pure water base.
- Evaporation: The source water, which can be from a municipal or spring source, is heated until it turns into vapor.
- Condensation: This vapor is then collected and condensed back into a pure, liquid state. This step removes most naturally occurring minerals and impurities.
- Filtration: The distilled water undergoes a final filtration process to ensure purity.
Adding electrolytes and ionization
After distillation, the paths for the standard and alkaline versions diverge. For both products, a unique blend of electrolytes is added back into the water to create a crisp and fresh taste. These electrolytes typically include calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, and potassium bicarbonate. For the alkaline version, the water undergoes an additional step: ionization.
Ionization is a chemical process that uses electricity to separate the acidic and alkaline components of the water. The alkaline components are kept, and the acidic ones are removed, resulting in a higher pH. For the smartwater alkaline with antioxidant product, this is how the pH is raised to 9.5+.
The science behind alkaline water: What to know
The science and purported health benefits of alkaline water are subject to considerable debate. While marketers promote claims of neutralizing acidity in the body, many health professionals advise caution.
- Your body regulates its own pH: Your body has powerful, efficient mechanisms, such as your kidneys and lungs, to maintain the blood's pH within a very tight, slightly alkaline range of 7.35 to 7.45. Drinking alkaline water will not significantly or permanently alter this internal balance.
- Stomach acid neutralizes alkalinity: When you drink alkaline water, it immediately enters your highly acidic stomach (pH 1.5–3.5), where its alkalinity is quickly neutralized.
- Limited scientific evidence: Most claims about alkaline water's health benefits—such as preventing disease or slowing aging—are not supported by conclusive, large-scale scientific research. Some small studies have explored potential benefits for conditions like acid reflux, but more research is needed.
- Focus on overall hydration: Ultimately, staying properly hydrated with any clean, safe drinking water is the most important factor for health.
Comparison: Standard smartwater vs. smartwater alkaline
To illustrate the key differences, here is a comparison table of the two main smartwater varieties.
| Feature | Standard smartwater | smartwater alkaline with antioxidant |
|---|---|---|
| pH Level | Approximately 7.0 (neutral) or slightly acidic | 9.5+ pH (alkaline) |
| Production | Vapor-distilled with added electrolytes | Vapor-distilled, ionized, with electrolytes and selenium added |
| Electrolytes | Contains calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, and potassium bicarbonate | Contains calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, potassium bicarbonate, and sodium selenate |
| Antioxidant | No | Yes, contains selenium |
| Taste | Pure, crisp taste | Pure, crisp taste with potential for different mouthfeel due to ionization |
| Packaging | Available in bottles and sometimes cans | Available in bottles and cans |
Conclusion
To conclude, the answer to the question, "Is smart water really 9.5 pH?" is yes, but only for its specific "smartwater alkaline with antioxidant" product. The original, un-ionized smartwater has a neutral to slightly acidic pH. The 9.5+ pH of the alkaline version is achieved through an ionization process after vapor distillation. While marketing highlights the high pH, it's essential for consumers to understand that the health benefits often associated with alkaline water are not strongly supported by scientific evidence. Your body is remarkably good at regulating its own pH, and the impact of the water you drink is largely temporary. The most important aspect of hydration remains consuming enough clean, safe water, regardless of its specific pH level. For those with certain medical conditions, especially related to the kidneys, consulting a doctor before consuming high pH water is recommended.
Key takeaways
- smartwater has different versions: The standard smartwater is not 9.5 pH; it is neutral to slightly acidic. The specific "smartwater alkaline with antioxidant" product is ionized to a 9.5+ pH.
- pH claims are marketing: Many health claims surrounding alkaline water are not backed by extensive scientific evidence.
- Your body self-regulates: Your body has natural and effective systems, like the kidneys, to maintain a stable blood pH level.
- Stomach acid is a neutralizer: The high acidity in your stomach quickly neutralizes the alkalinity of any water you drink.
- Proper hydration is key: The most significant health benefit comes from simply drinking enough clean water, whether alkaline or not.
FAQs
Q: What is the pH of original smartwater? A: The original smartwater is typically neutral, with some tests finding it to have a pH around 6.7 to 7.0.
Q: What is the pH scale? A: The pH scale measures the acidity or alkalinity of a substance, ranging from 0 (most acidic) to 14 (most alkaline), with 7 being neutral.
Q: What is the difference between alkaline smartwater and regular smartwater? A: The main difference is the pH level. Alkaline smartwater is ionized to a 9.5+ pH and contains selenium as an antioxidant. Regular smartwater is simply vapor-distilled water with electrolytes and a neutral pH.
Q: How does smartwater become alkaline? A: The alkaline version is ionized through a chemical process using electricity that separates acidic and alkaline molecules in the water, raising the pH to 9.5+.
Q: Are there any proven health benefits to drinking alkaline water? A: Scientific evidence does not currently support most health claims for alkaline water, such as preventing disease. Some research suggests it might temporarily help with acid reflux symptoms, but more data is needed.
Q: Can drinking too much alkaline water be harmful? A: For most healthy people, moderate consumption is safe. However, excessive intake could potentially disrupt stomach acid and cause issues, especially for individuals with pre-existing kidney conditions.
Q: Is smartwater a natural spring water? A: No, smartwater is made from a vapor-distillation process, which purifies the water, and then adds electrolytes back in. It is not collected directly from a spring as natural mineral water is.
