Understanding Hard Water vs. Mineral Water
To find what water is high in magnesium and calcium, it's important to understand the distinctions between different water types. The primary sources are hard water and natural mineral water, both rich in these essential minerals, but with key differences in origin and regulation.
What is Hard Water?
Hard water is tap water that contains a higher concentration of dissolved minerals, primarily calcium and magnesium. As rainwater seeps into the ground, it flows through mineral-rich rock layers, like limestone and dolomite, and dissolves these minerals. The hardness of tap water varies significantly by location, determined by the underlying geology of the water source. While hard water can cause scale buildup in pipes and appliances, studies indicate it has no adverse health effects and can contribute positively to your daily mineral intake.
What is Natural Mineral Water?
Natural mineral water is sourced from protected underground reservoirs and springs. Unlike tap water, it does not undergo chemical disinfection and maintains its original mineral composition as it emerges from the earth. Federal regulations often require that minerals cannot be added to or removed from mineral water, ensuring its purity and specific mineral profile. This makes it a consistent and reliable source of bioavailable calcium and magnesium, among other minerals.
Leading Bottled Water Brands High in Minerals
For those seeking a consistent mineral intake, several bottled water brands are known for their high calcium and magnesium content. Below is a list of popular options and their reported mineral levels:
- Gerolsteiner: A sparkling mineral water from Germany, famously rich in calcium and magnesium. It has a high TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) of around 2,500 mg/L, including 345 mg/L of calcium and 100 mg/L of magnesium.
- Contrex: A French still mineral water, a standout for its exceptionally high calcium content. It provides 468 mg/L of calcium and 74.5 mg/L of magnesium, with very low sodium.
- San Pellegrino: A popular Italian sparkling mineral water with 150 mg/L of calcium and 51 mg/L of magnesium.
- Hepar: Sourced from the Vosges region of France, this mineral water is particularly known for its high magnesium content, beneficial for digestive health.
- QUA Natural Mineral Water: Sourced from the Himalayan Foothills, this water is advertised as being rich in calcium and magnesium.
- Evian: A well-known French still spring water with a balanced mineral profile, containing 80 mg/L of calcium and 26 mg/L of magnesium.
High-Mineral Bottled Water Comparison
This table outlines the calcium and magnesium content for several well-known brands, helping you choose based on your specific mineral needs.
| Brand | Source | Type | Calcium (mg/L) | Magnesium (mg/L) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gerolsteiner | Volcanic Eifel, Germany | Sparkling | 345 | 100 |
| Contrex | Contrexéville, France | Still | 468 | 74.5 |
| San Pellegrino | Bergamo, Italy | Sparkling | 150 | 51 |
| Hepar | Vosges, France | Still | N/A (high in Mg) | High (prominent feature) |
| Evian | Evian-les-Bains, France | Still | 80 | 26 |
| Fiji | Viti Levu, Fiji | Still | 18 | 9.2 |
The Health Benefits of Drinking Mineral-Rich Water
Increasing your intake of calcium and magnesium through drinking water offers several health advantages, as these minerals are highly bioavailable in their dissolved form.
- Bone Health: Calcium is essential for building and maintaining strong bones, while magnesium plays a crucial role in regulating calcium metabolism and bone tissue formation. Drinking mineral-rich water can improve your body's calcium supply and bone density, particularly when dietary intake is insufficient.
- Cardiovascular Health: Studies suggest a link between magnesium levels in drinking water and a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases. Magnesium helps regulate heart rhythm and blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels.
- Muscle Function: Calcium and magnesium work together to regulate muscle function; calcium promotes contraction, while magnesium aids in relaxation. Adequate intake helps prevent muscle cramps and spasms.
- Digestive Support: Magnesium draws water into the intestines, which can help promote regular bowel movements and provide relief from constipation.
The Effect of Water Treatment on Mineral Content
If you use a home water filtration system, it's crucial to understand its impact on mineral levels. Some systems can strip water of its beneficial minerals.
Reverse Osmosis (RO) Filtration
Reverse osmosis (RO) systems use a semi-permeable membrane to remove impurities, a process so thorough it also removes most dissolved minerals, including calcium and magnesium. If your goal is to increase mineral intake, relying solely on RO-filtered water is counterproductive unless a remineralization filter is used.
Ultrafiltration (UF) Filtration
In contrast, ultrafiltration (UF) systems have larger pores than RO, allowing dissolved minerals like calcium and magnesium to pass through while still effectively filtering out bacteria and viruses. These systems offer a compromise for households wanting purer water without sacrificing the mineral content.
Conclusion
For those seeking water high in magnesium and calcium, hard tap water and natural mineral water are the best options. The specific mineral content of hard tap water is region-dependent, while bottled mineral waters like Gerolsteiner, Contrex, and San Pellegrino offer consistent, high-mineral profiles. These beverages provide a bioavailable source of essential nutrients that support bone health, heart function, and digestion. To ensure you're getting the minerals you need, check your local water report or the label of your preferred bottled brand. You can also explore filtration methods that preserve these vital elements to enhance your daily hydration routine. For more information on drinking water and its mineral content, a study published in Frontiers in Nutrition offers further insight into the nutritional contribution of water.
Study on Direct-Drinking Water in China
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if my tap water is hard and high in minerals?
Signs of hard water include scale buildup on faucets and appliances, dull-looking laundry, spots on dishes, and soap that doesn't lather easily. You can also contact your local water utility for a mineral content report.
Is hard water with high mineral content safe to drink?
Yes, hard water is generally considered safe to drink and can contribute beneficially to your daily mineral intake. The minerals present, primarily calcium and magnesium, are harmless and often provide health benefits.
What are some specific bottled water brands high in both calcium and magnesium?
Brands like Gerolsteiner and Contrex are known for their high mineral content, including significant amounts of both calcium and magnesium. Many labels explicitly list these mineral levels, so checking the nutritional information is recommended.
Do water filters remove beneficial minerals like calcium and magnesium?
Some water filtration systems, particularly reverse osmosis (RO), can strip water of most dissolved minerals. However, ultrafiltration (UF) and simple carbon block filters can retain these beneficial minerals while removing contaminants.
Can drinking mineral-rich water improve bone density?
Yes, the calcium and magnesium in mineral water are highly bioavailable, meaning the body can absorb them easily. Regular consumption can be a helpful way to support bone density, especially when dietary intake is insufficient.
How does mineral content in water affect its taste?
The mineral content, especially the balance of calcium and magnesium, contributes to the taste of water. Hard water often has a distinct, sometimes slightly earthy taste, while bottled mineral waters can have unique flavor profiles depending on their source.
Is magnesium from water better than magnesium from supplements?
Magnesium and calcium from natural water sources are absorbed well by the body due to their bioavailable form. While supplements are an option, getting minerals from natural food or water sources is often considered the optimal approach.
Key Takeaways
- Hard Water is Naturally Mineral-Rich: Tap water designated as 'hard' contains significant levels of calcium and magnesium due to its journey through mineral-dense rocks.
- Mineral Water Offers Consistency: Bottled natural mineral waters, sourced from protected underground springs, provide a reliable and consistent dose of essential minerals like calcium and magnesium.
- Choose High-Mineral Brands: Specific brands like Gerolsteiner, Contrex, and San Pellegrino are excellent choices for boosting your intake of calcium and magnesium.
- Filtration Affects Minerals: Be aware that many common filters, particularly reverse osmosis systems, can strip water of its beneficial minerals, so check the filtration technology.
- Enjoy Bioavailable Nutrients: The minerals in water are in an ionized, highly absorbable form, offering excellent bioavailability for supporting bone, heart, and digestive health.
- Check Mineral Levels: If you want to increase your mineral intake from water, check your local water report for tap water or the product label for specific bottled brands.
