Fluoride levels in bottled water are not always obvious. The presence of this mineral depends heavily on the water's source and how it has been treated. Some bottled water contains naturally occurring fluoride from its source, such as a spring or artesian well, while other companies intentionally add fluoride to their purified water. The amount can vary greatly, with some brands having negligible amounts and others containing levels comparable to fluoridated tap water.
Naturally Occurring Fluoride in Bottled Water
Natural mineral or spring waters often contain trace amounts of fluoride that they absorb as they travel through the earth's rock and soil. The concentration is entirely dependent on the specific geological makeup of the water source. This means the fluoride level can fluctuate by location and even by batch. Consumers who prefer naturally sourced minerals may find these brands appealing, but they must recognize that the fluoride content is not as consistent or regulated as in municipal tap water. Brands known to have some level of naturally occurring fluoride include:
- Volvic: Sourced from a volcanic region in France, this mineral water has naturally occurring fluoride, with studies reporting levels around 0.7 parts per million (ppm).
- Fiji: This artesian water also contains naturally occurring fluoride, typically found at levels of around 0.3 ppm.
- Evian: Another mineral water, Evian, has naturally occurring fluoride at a low level, often reported below 0.1 ppm.
- Poland Spring: Sourced from natural springs, the fluoride level can vary, but is generally low.
- Crystal Geyser: A U.S. spring water, Crystal Geyser's fluoride content comes from its natural source and can be low, though reports vary.
Purified Bottled Water with Added Fluoride
Many purified and distilled bottled waters begin with a process like reverse osmosis or distillation to strip the water of most dissolved solids, including minerals like fluoride. To create a product that supports dental health, some brands will then add fluoride back into the water. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires that companies label products with intentionally added fluoride. These products are a reliable choice for consumers who want a consistent, controlled amount of fluoride in their drinking water. This category often includes specialized 'nursery water' for infants. Examples include:
- Nestle Pure Life Water with Fluoride: Specifically marketed for babies and children, this water has fluoride added to a regulated level.
- Dannon Fluoride to Go: A portable product line from the Dannon brand that contains added fluoride.
- Ozarka Fluoridated: As per the International Bottled Water Association (IBWA), Ozarka offers a specific fluoridated product option.
Brands with Low or Non-Detectable Fluoride Levels
For consumers seeking to minimize their fluoride intake, many popular brands are excellent choices. These are typically purified water products where the purification process has effectively removed most or all naturally present fluoride. It is important to note that a company may source water from different locations, and testing is the only way to be certain of the exact levels, but these brands generally produce water with non-detectable or very low fluoride content.
- Aquafina: Owned by PepsiCo, Aquafina's purification process removes dissolved solids, resulting in very low or non-detectable fluoride levels.
- Dasani: A Coca-Cola brand, Dasani also uses reverse osmosis and generally has non-detectable fluoride in the US, though regional versions may vary.
- Smartwater: This vapor-distilled water is enhanced with electrolytes but has very low fluoride content.
- Kirkland Signature Purified Water: This Costco brand is made with reverse osmosis and has non-detectable fluoride levels.
- Essentia Water: This ionized alkaline water has very low fluoride levels.
Comparison of Bottled Water Brands and Fluoride Content
| Brand | Water Type | Fluoride Status | Typical Fluoride Level (ppm) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aquafina | Purified | Not Added/Removed | <0.1 | Uses reverse osmosis, resulting in non-detectable levels. |
| Dasani | Purified | Not Added/Removed | <0.1 (in US) | Uses reverse osmosis; levels may vary by market. |
| Evian | Mineral | Naturally Occurring | ~0.1 | Sourced from the French Alps, levels are naturally low. |
| Fiji | Artesian | Naturally Occurring | ~0.3 | Naturally filtered through volcanic rock. |
| Poland Spring | Spring | Naturally Occurring | Varies, generally low | Sourced from multiple springs; levels are not consistent. |
| Smartwater | Vapor-Distilled | Not Added/Removed | <0.1 | Distilled for purity, resulting in very low fluoride. |
| Volvic | Mineral | Naturally Occurring | ~0.7 | Naturally high level from volcanic region. |
| Nestle Pure Life (Baby) | Purified | Added | Controlled (often ~0.7) | Specifically formulated and labeled with added fluoride. |
How to Check for Fluoride Content in Bottled Water
For consumers, the most reliable way to determine fluoride content is to check the product's label and contact the manufacturer. In the U.S., the FDA requires that any bottled water with intentionally added fluoride must be clearly labeled as such. However, if the fluoride is naturally occurring and below a certain threshold, labeling is not mandatory, which is why brands like Evian and Fiji may not list it on the front. To gain an accurate picture, consumers should:
- Read the Label: Look for phrases like “fluoridated,” “fluoride added,” or “fluoride enhanced.” Check the ingredient list for sodium fluoride.
- Review Water Quality Reports: Many companies, like Arrowhead, publish annual reports detailing their water's mineral composition and fluoride content. These are often found on the brand's website.
- Contact the Manufacturer: For unlisted information, a company's customer service can provide the most accurate and up-to-date data. The IBWA provides contact details for many of its member brands.
- Use Water Testing Kits: For precise measurements, especially with spring waters, at-home fluoride testing kits can provide an estimate of the levels.
For more information on the brands that intentionally add fluoride, consumers can refer to industry resources like the International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) which maintains a list of member brands with fluoridated products.
Conclusion
Making an informed decision about bottled water and its fluoride content requires understanding the difference between natural and added sources. While purified waters like Aquafina and Dasani typically have very low fluoride levels due to their treatment process, natural mineral waters such as Volvic and Fiji contain naturally occurring fluoride that can vary. Brands like Nestle Pure Life offer products with intentionally added and clearly labeled fluoride for those seeking a consistent amount. Ultimately, consumers concerned about their fluoride intake should check labels and water quality reports or contact manufacturers to determine the exact content before purchase.
