Global Campaigns News

US: Enhanced bottled water doesn't deliver on promises

The News-Press.

In addition to plain bottled water the market has become flooded with bottled water that is enhanced with any number of vitamins, minerals, flavorings, energy enhancers, specific ingredients for men or women, and calming substances.

These waters fall somewhere between plain water and true energy drinks. But, at about $8 a gallon are they really providing anything to the American diet or are they just another marketing niche for beverage companies?

Sales of these fancy waters are rising and are expected to reach more than 4 percent of bottled water sales. Some of the marketing claims fall somewhere between ridiculous and outrageous. For instance "for energy and mental clarity," "boosted health and happiness," and "soothe the senses."

Water can bring happiness? Water can calm us?

Is there any benefit at all to the public? The drinks that have vitamins rely mainly on vitamin C and some B vitamins.

Only one claims to have the equivalent of a multi-vitamin tablet, but swallowing a tablet would be much less expensive. There is also the potential for high intakes of vitamins and minerals if a person takes a multi-vitamin and then drinks the enhanced water and eats a bowl of fortified cereal and never stops to think that he could be harming his body instead of helping it.

Since scientific studies have proven that food is the best way to get nutrients, it is not known how much benefit there really is to drinking vitamins and minerals. Save money, drink free water; it is available right at home at the faucet.

- Ginger Patterson, Ph.D., R.D. has worked in wellness in Fort Myers for the past 23 years. She maintains an office at Fitness On The Move where she specializes in weight management.