Mineral concentrations in bottled water products: implications for canadians' mineral intakes.

The popularity of bottled water products (BWPs) is growing in Canada. Concentrations of minerals with important implications for health were compared in different types of BWPs. One sample of each brand and type of plain BWP (purified, remineralized, spring, mineral, and artesian), flavoured BWP, and nutrient-enriched BWP sold in major stores in Ottawa, Ontario, was purchased to allow determination of mineral concentrations by flame atomic absorption or emission spectroscopy. A total of 124 BWPs representing 37 brands were analyzed. In general, spring and mineral water contained higher amounts of magnesium and calcium than did purified, remineralized, artesian, flavoured, or nutrient-enriched water. Most plain BWPs contained little sodium and potassium, whereas 15% to 35% of flavoured and nutrient-enriched products had considerably higher concentrations. Only magnesium and calcium concentrations were highly correlated (r=0.76, p<0.001). Calculation of the percentage of Dietary Reference Intakes that could be supplied by each product revealed that, if they are consumed habitually, many products can contribute substantially to recommended intakes of these minerals. Mineral concentrations in most types of BWP varied, but distinct differences between types of products were identified. Consumers should be aware of the mineral content of BWPs because some could influence intakes of certain minerals significantly.

Citation

Jesse Bertinato, Jessica Taylor. Mineral concentrations in bottled water products: implications for canadians' mineral intakes. Canadian journal of dietetic practice and research : a publication of Dietitians of Canada = Revue canadienne de la pratique et de la recherche en diététique : une publication des Diététistes du Canada. 2013;74(1):46-50

PMID: 23449216

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