The choice of daily drinking water often comes down to convenience and perceived safety, leading many consumers to rely on purified sources like bottled water or water processed through home filtration systems. Purified water is defined by its extremely low level of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), meaning it has been treated to remove contaminants. This high level of cleanliness naturally raises questions about the long-term effects of consuming water that is virtually free of everything but hydrogen and oxygen. Understanding how purification alters water composition is important for assessing whether daily, exclusive consumption supports long-term wellness.
How Purified Water Differs From Other Sources
Purified water is fundamentally distinct from tap or spring water due to the stringent processes used to achieve its purity standard. Purification methods, most commonly Reverse Osmosis (RO) or distillation, aim to reduce the Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) concentration to below 10 parts per million (ppm). The RO process forces water through a semi-permeable membrane, stripping out contaminants like lead, arsenic, and microbes. Distillation involves boiling water into steam and then re-condensing it, leaving almost all solids behind. These processes make the water exceptionally clean, but the result is a de-mineralized state that is often corrosive and has a flat taste.
Essential Minerals Removed During Purification
The pursuit of ultra-pure water results in the removal of beneficial inorganic compounds alongside harmful contaminants. Purification techniques are indiscriminate, effectively eliminating up to 99% of dissolved solids, including minerals that support human function. The minerals most significantly reduced or eliminated are Calcium (Ca) and Magnesium (Mg), along with Potassium and Sodium.
Calcium is necessary for maintaining bone density, nerve signal transmission, and proper muscle contraction. Magnesium plays a role in hundreds of bodily processes, including energy production, muscle relaxation, and supporting cardiovascular function. Water often provides a consistent, readily absorbed contribution to the daily intake of these minerals. Losing this continuous, bioavailable source becomes a nutritional consideration for those relying solely on purified water. Some experts suggest that optimal levels in drinking water should include 20–30 mg/L of Magnesium and 40–80 mg/L of Calcium.
Potential Health Effects of Exclusive Consumption
Exclusive, long-term consumption of de-mineralized water presents several physiological challenges for the body’s balance. Without minerals, the water tends to be slightly acidic and can lead to electrolyte imbalance over time. Minerals like Calcium, Magnesium, and Potassium are electrolytes that help regulate fluid balance, and their absence can contribute to dehydration and impaired physical performance.
Studies have linked prolonged consumption of water with extremely low TDS levels (below 100 ppm) to health complaints. These issues often manifest as symptoms associated with Magnesium or Calcium deficiency, such as muscular cramps, tiredness, and cardiovascular disorders.
Mineral Leaching and Homeostasis
One concern relates to “leaching,” where de-mineralized water, being aggressive, may draw minerals from the body’s tissues during absorption. While the human body is designed to regulate its mineral content through homeostasis, the constant influx of water lacking these elements can place a strain on these regulatory mechanisms. The World Health Organization (WHO) has noted that populations drinking de-mineralized water in certain regions exhibited decreased alkaline phosphatase activity and reduced plasma concentrations of Calcium.
Furthermore, preparing food in low-mineral water can result in the loss of minerals from the food itself, further reducing the overall nutrient intake. Although the U.S. Navy has reported no long-term health issues from sailors consuming distilled seawater, caution is urged for individuals with already low dietary mineral intake.
Ensuring Mineral Intake When Drinking Purified Water
Individuals who choose or need to drink purified water daily have several methods available to mitigate the lack of minerals. These steps ensure that the benefits of contaminant-free water are achieved without compromising the body’s need for essential minerals.
- Installing a remineralization cartridge as the final stage of filtration for home systems.
- Using concentrated mineral drops, which are liquid blends of trace electrolytes added manually to water.
- Focusing on dietary sources rich in minerals, such as dark leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and fortified dairy alternatives.
- Alternating between purified water and a mineral-rich source, like high-quality spring water or filtered tap water.