The consumption of still mineral water has been scientifically associated with beneficial effects across several disease categories, primarily through its unique mineral composition that influences physiological processes related to hydration, electrolyte balance, acid-base homeostasis, and metabolic regulation. Unlike tap or purified water, natural still mineral water contains bioavailable concentrations of essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium, bicarbonate, and trace elements, which contribute to specific therapeutic and preventive health outcomes.
One of the most well-documented benefits pertains to kidney stone disease (nephrolithiasis). Adequate fluid intake is a cornerstone of stone prevention, but the mineral content of the water consumed plays a critical modifying role. Still mineral waters rich in calcium, magnesium, and bicarbonate have been shown to reduce the risk of calcium oxalate crystallization—the most common type of kidney stone—by increasing urinary pH and citrate excretion while decreasing urinary calcium saturation [1]. Bicarbonate-rich mineral water counteracts the low-grade metabolic acidosis often induced by Western diets, thereby reducing bone resorption and calcium release into urine [2] [3]. Furthermore, systematic reviews confirm that magnesium and bicarbonate in mineral water act synergistically to inhibit stone formation, making certain still mineral waters preferable over soft or demineralized water for at-risk individuals [4] [5].
In the context of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes, still mineral water—particularly when enriched with magnesium and bicarbonate—demonstrates favorable effects on glycemic control and insulin sensitivity. A systematic review of randomized controlled trials indicates that regular consumption of magnesium-rich mineral water improves fasting glucose levels and reduces insulin resistance, likely due to magnesium’s role as a cofactor in glucose metabolism enzymes [6]. Additionally, bicarbonate-rich formulations help neutralize dietary acid load, which is linked to impaired insulin signaling and increased cardiovascular risk [7]. Animal studies corroborate these findings, showing that mineral water intake during caloric restriction enhances metabolic improvements in obese mice, including better lipid profiles and reduced oxidative stress [8].
Bone health is another key area where still mineral water exerts protective effects. Calcium from mineral water exhibits high bioavailability—comparable to that from milk—and effectively suppresses parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion, thereby reducing bone resorption over both short and long terms [9]. In young rats subjected to metabolic acidosis, consumption of bicarbonate-rich natural mineral water preserved bone mineral density and microarchitecture, whereas purified water led to significant bone loss [10]. This underscores the importance of alkalizing minerals like bicarbonate and potassium in mitigating acid-induced calcium leaching from skeletal stores [11].
Regarding gastrointestinal health, specific still mineral waters have demonstrated efficacy in alleviating functional symptoms, particularly in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). A prospective clinical study found that a bicarbonate-sulfate-calcium-magnesium mineral water significantly improved bloating, abdominal pain, and bowel regularity, likely through modulation of gut motility and bile acid metabolism [12]. While not a direct treatment for infectious diarrhea, the principle of electrolyte-balanced hydration aligns with the mechanisms of oral rehydration therapy; however, commercial mineral waters are not formulated as reduced-osmolarity ORS and should not replace it in acute settings.
Emerging evidence also links mineral water consumption to cardiovascular protection. Low-mineral water intake, especially in children, has been associated with elevated homocysteine levels—a known risk factor for endothelial dysfunction and future cardiovascular disease [13]. Conversely, the calcium and magnesium in still mineral water support vascular tone and blood pressure regulation, with epidemiological data suggesting an inverse correlation between water hardness and coronary artery disease mortality [14].
It is crucial to note that benefits are highly dependent on the specific mineral profile of the water. For instance, excessive fluoride—though rare in commercially bottled still waters—can lead to skeletal fluorosis [15], while very low-mineral waters may disrupt electrolyte homeostasis and liver metabolism [16]. Therefore, the therapeutic potential of still mineral water is not universal but contingent upon its composition matching the physiological needs of the individual and their underlying condition. Clinical guidance should consider regional water analyses to recommend appropriate brands for targeted health outcomes [17].
References
- Influence of a Mineral Water Rich in Calcium, Magnesium and Bicarbonate on Urine Composition and the Risk of Calcium Oxalate Crystallization
- Effects of Mineral Waters on Acid-Base Status in Healthy Adults
- Hydration Meets Regulation: Insights into Bicarbonate Mineral Water and Acid-Base Balance
- Which Type of Water is Recommended for Patients with Stone Disease?
- Global Variations in the Mineral Content of Bottled Waters
- Prevention and Therapy of Type 2 Diabetes
- Mineral Waters with a Potential to Control and Prevent Metabolic Syndrome
- Natural Mineral Waters and Metabolic Syndrome
- Mineral Waters and Bone Health
- Drinking Natural Mineral Water Maintains Bone Health
- Mineral Water as Food for Bone
- Functional Gastrointestinal Symptoms in NAFLD
- Low-Mineral Water and Cardiovascular Health
- Water Quality and Coronary Artery Disease Mortality
- Evaluation of Fluoride Concentration in Bottled Water
- Long-Term Consumption of Purified Water
- What Kind of Water Should I Advise My Kidney Stone Patient to Drink?