What are the negative effects of mineral water?

January 1, 2026 •

4 min read

While mineral water is often praised for its rich mineral content, excessive consumption can lead to unintended health consequences. Though typically safe in moderation, high concentrations of minerals, plastic contamination, and carbonation can all contribute to the negative effects of mineral water.

Quick Summary

This article details potential health risks associated with drinking mineral water, such as digestive issues, potential tooth enamel erosion, and kidney concerns. It also examines the dangers of microplastics from plastic bottles and issues related to excess sodium.

Key Points

Digestive Upset: Excessive mineral content can cause bloating, gas, nausea, and diarrhea, especially in sensitive individuals.
Tooth Enamel Erosion: The mild acidity from carbonation in sparkling mineral water can erode tooth enamel over time with frequent consumption.
Kidney Strain: High mineral intake can put extra strain on the kidneys, which is a concern for those with pre-existing kidney issues.
Microplastic Contamination: Bottled mineral water can contain microscopic plastic particles that can leach into the water during production and storage.
Sodium Overload: Some mineral water brands have high sodium levels, which can be a risk for people on sodium-restricted diets or with high blood pressure.
Electrolyte Imbalance: Overconsumption can disrupt the body's natural electrolyte balance, causing symptoms like muscle cramps and irregular heart rhythms.
Environmental Concerns: The widespread use of single-use plastic bottles for mineral water contributes to plastic pollution.
Toxic Elements: In some cases, natural sources can contain trace amounts of toxic minerals, such as high levels of fluoride, which can lead to dental fluorosis.

What Happens When You Drink Too Much Mineral Water?

Drinking mineral water is generally safe and can provide beneficial minerals like calcium and magnesium. However, as with many things, moderation is key. The specific composition of mineral water varies by brand and source, meaning some are higher in certain minerals than others. Excessive, long-term consumption of mineral-rich water can overwhelm the body's natural filtering processes and lead to a range of potential health problems.

Digestive Issues from High Mineral Content

The high concentration of minerals in some brands can be problematic for people with sensitive digestive systems. These minerals, particularly magnesium, can have a laxative effect. Excessive intake can lead to:

Bloating and gas: The high mineral load can disrupt the gut, causing discomfort and distension.
Nausea and stomach upset: For some, the mineral content can cause general stomach irritation.
Diarrhea: Magnesium-rich mineral waters are known for their ability to soften stools and, in high amounts, can cause loose bowel movements.

Risks Associated with Bottled Mineral Water

One of the most significant concerns with commercially bottled mineral water is the potential for contamination from the plastic container itself. Recent studies have highlighted the presence of microplastics in bottled water.

Microplastics and nanoplastics: Research has detected hundreds of thousands of tiny plastic fragments in a single liter of bottled water. These particles are small enough to enter the bloodstream and accumulate in vital organs.
Leaching chemicals: Plastic bottles can also leach chemicals like bisphenol A (BPA), which has been linked to hormonal disruptions.
Environmental impact: The environmental cost of producing and disposing of plastic bottles is a major negative effect, contributing to pollution.

Effects of Carbonated Mineral Water

Sparkling mineral water contains dissolved carbon dioxide, which creates carbonic acid. While generally safe, this acidity can have negative consequences over time, especially with frequent consumption.

Tooth enamel erosion: The mild acidity can wear away tooth enamel over time, increasing the risk of dental decay. Compared to sugary sodas, the effect is minor, but it is still a concern for avid drinkers.
Increased acidity: For those with acid reflux or sensitive stomachs, the carbonation can exacerbate symptoms and cause irritation.

Excessive Sodium and Electrolyte Imbalance

Some mineral water brands, particularly those from certain natural springs, can have a surprisingly high sodium content.

High blood pressure: For individuals with hypertension or those on a sodium-restricted diet, consuming too much sodium-rich mineral water can be detrimental.
Electrolyte disruption: Overconsumption can upset the body's delicate electrolyte balance of sodium and potassium, potentially leading to symptoms like muscle cramps and irregular heart rhythms.

Strain on Kidneys from Mineral Overload

For healthy individuals, the kidneys efficiently filter excess minerals. However, persistent high intake can put a strain on the kidneys, particularly for those with pre-existing kidney conditions. This is a long-term risk and a reason for moderation. It's especially relevant for the elderly or those with known renal issues.

Comparison of Mineral Water with High vs. Low Mineral Content


Feature	High Mineral Content Mineral Water	Low Mineral Content Mineral Water	Tap Water (Average)
Primary Risk	Digestive upset, kidney strain from mineral overload.	Microplastics contamination from packaging.	Potential contaminants depending on local source and plumbing.
Sodium Levels	Can be high; check label for those on low-sodium diets.	Generally low; safer for individuals watching sodium intake.	Varies widely by municipality; check local reports.
Dental Health	High carbonation in sparkling versions can cause enamel erosion.	Lower carbonation options pose less risk to enamel.	Often fluoridated to support dental health.
Mineral Absorption	Higher concentration offers more absorbable minerals.	Lower concentration means fewer mineral benefits from the water.	Contains some minerals, but levels vary significantly.
Cost	Typically more expensive due to sourcing and processing.	Can be less expensive than high-mineral varieties.	Most affordable option.

Potential Toxic Minerals

While high-quality mineral water is free of harmful contaminants, some natural water sources can contain trace amounts of toxic minerals or elements. High-fluoride water, for example, can contribute to dental fluorosis and, in rare, extremely high exposures, skeletal fluorosis. Though regulated, this possibility reinforces the importance of knowing your water source.

Conclusion: Moderation and Source Awareness are Key

The negative effects of mineral water are primarily linked to excessive intake, the presence of plastic contaminants, and specific mineral compositions. While a bottle of mineral water can be a source of beneficial electrolytes and hydration, it is not a universally superior choice to other drinking water sources like filtered tap water. For most healthy individuals, occasional consumption poses little risk. However, those with pre-existing conditions, sensitive stomachs, or those concerned about plastics should consider the source and type of mineral water carefully. Checking labels for mineral and sodium content and being aware of the risks associated with plastic packaging are the best ways to enjoy mineral water without the potential downsides.

Authoritative Source

For more information on the potential impacts of plastic on health, you can consult the World Health Organization (WHO) report on microplastics in drinking water: Microplastics in drinking-water.

Frequently Asked Questions

While minerals are filtered by the kidneys, there is no strong evidence that moderate mineral water consumption causes kidney stones in healthy individuals. However, for those with pre-existing kidney issues, excessive long-term intake could increase risk by straining the kidneys.

Yes, sparkling mineral water is slightly more acidic than regular water due to its carbonation and can contribute to tooth enamel erosion over time, especially with frequent consumption.

Bottled mineral water can contain microplastics and nanoplastics, which can leach from the plastic container. While the long-term health effects are still being researched, concerns exist about these particles accumulating in the body.

The right amount varies by individual health and mineral composition of the water. However, health experts generally recommend moderation. For many, one to two bottles per day can be a safe level of intake, but those with specific health conditions should consult a doctor.

Yes, some mineral water brands have a high sodium content, which can negatively impact blood pressure, especially for individuals with hypertension or those on a low-sodium diet.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical found in some plastics that can interfere with hormonal function. While many modern bottles are BPA-free, the overall risk from plastic packaging remains a concern.

For many, filtered tap water is a safer alternative, as it is often more strictly regulated for contaminants and avoids the risk of microplastic and chemical contamination from plastic bottles. Municipalities also add fluoride to tap water, which helps prevent tooth decay.