The mineral content of water can vary dramatically based on its source, with water flowing through limestone and volcanic rock picking up a higher concentration of minerals like calcium. This makes some bottled mineral waters a natural way to supplement your daily calcium intake, a key nutrient for bone health and other vital bodily functions. Understanding these differences helps you make an informed choice for your health.
The Highest Calcium Mineral Water Brands
When searching for the highest concentration of calcium in bottled water, a few brands consistently rise to the top. The precise levels can sometimes vary slightly by source or batch, but these brands are renowned for their high mineral content.
- Roi Water: This rare mineral water from Slovenia often reports the highest calcium content, at around 510 mg/L. It is a very high-mineral water and can be difficult and expensive to source compared to more common brands.
- Contrex: Hailing from France, this water boasts an exceptionally high calcium level of approximately 468 mg/L. Like Roi, it is considered a premium, specialty water.
- Gerolsteiner: A popular German sparkling mineral water, Gerolsteiner is widely available and contains a high calcium concentration of around 348 mg/L. It provides a significant dose of this mineral in each liter, making it a reliable option.
Popular Mineral Water Calcium Comparison
While Roi and Contrex may offer the highest calcium content, a range of other popular and widely available mineral waters also provide significant amounts. This table provides a useful comparison of several brands.
| Brand | Calcium (mg/L) | Origin | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roi Water | ~510 mg/L | Slovenia | Extremely high mineral content; can be difficult to find. |
| Contrex | ~468 mg/L | France | Very high mineral content; often sold as a specialty item. |
| Gerolsteiner | ~348 mg/L | Germany | Widely available sparkling mineral water with excellent mineral balance. |
| S. Pellegrino | ~166-208 mg/L | Italy | Popular sparkling water with a high-to-moderate calcium level. |
| Evian | ~78-83 mg/L | French Alps | Well-known brand with a moderate mineral content. |
| Fiji Water | ~18 mg/L | Fiji Islands | Primarily known for its high silica content rather than calcium. |
Benefits of High-Calcium Mineral Water
Choosing a mineral water specifically for its calcium content offers more than just hydration. The minerals in these waters, and their interactions, provide several potential health benefits.
Supports Bone Health
Calcium is fundamental for building and maintaining strong bones. As the body ages, bone loss can begin to outpace bone formation. Consuming calcium-rich mineral water can help ensure an adequate supply to support bone density, especially when combined with regular exercise. Studies have found that the calcium from mineral water is highly bioavailable, meaning the body absorbs and utilizes it effectively—sometimes even more so than calcium from milk.
Cardiovascular Support
Some research suggests that a high intake of certain minerals, including magnesium and calcium found in mineral water, can contribute to heart health and help regulate blood pressure. A study showed that drinking one liter of mineral water per day helped decrease blood pressure in adults with low magnesium and calcium levels.
Digestive Health
Magnesium, another common mineral in these waters, can act as a natural laxative, helping to prevent constipation by drawing water into the intestines. Some mineral waters containing both magnesium and sulfates have been shown to improve bowel regularity.
Factors Beyond Calcium Content
While calcium is the focus, a water's overall mineral profile, or Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), is what truly defines its character. TDS is a measure of all the minerals in the water, and it heavily influences taste. A water's taste is a crucial factor, as the best water for you is one you will consistently enjoy drinking. The level of other minerals, like magnesium and sulfates, also affects the taste and can offer different health benefits. Naturally carbonated waters like Gerolsteiner have a rich, complex taste, while others might be more subtly flavored.
Finally, cost and accessibility play a significant role. Some of the highest-calcium waters, such as Roi or Contrex, are often difficult to find and more expensive, making a brand like Gerolsteiner a more practical and accessible choice for daily consumption.
Conclusion
When asking what brand of water has the most calcium, Roi Water from Slovenia and Contrex from France are generally cited as the highest. However, the most practical and widely available option with a very high calcium content is Gerolsteiner. For daily supplementation and overall health benefits, a high-mineral water like Gerolsteiner is an excellent choice. Your ultimate decision should balance calcium content with personal preference for taste, price, and availability. Consistent hydration with a mineral-rich water is a simple and effective way to support your body's calcium needs and overall wellness. The choice is less about finding the single highest number and more about integrating a beneficial, enjoyable beverage into your routine. For more information on mineral water benefits, consult reliable health resources like the National Institutes of Health. NIH National Library of Medicine: Exploring the Potential Benefits of Natural Calcium-Rich Mineral Waters for Health and Wellness.
