Q: I have seen several bottles of water containing vitamins in the supermarket. Should I buy these for my family?
A: The simple answer to your question is no. There are better ways for your family to get their vitamins. Foods based on Eating Well with Food Guide provide the best source of nutrients, but if you are concerned about your nutrient intake, a multivitamin, or mineral supplement is a cheaper alternative to these vitamin waters.
Vitamin-enhanced waters, also called enhanced waters, are the latest fad to get people to drink more softening bottled water. They are simply flavored water, some with sugar or artificial sweetener as well as vitamins and in some cases, herbal supplements added.
They range from 0 to 100 calories per 591 mL bottle. They are marketed as an option for people who dislike the taste of plain water but want to drink something lower in calories other than pop or juice. However, at about $2 per 591 mL bottle, they are an expensive and inefficient way to get these vitamins.
Most of the vitamin enhanced waters on the market have added B vitamins such as vitamins B3, B6, and B12, while others have additional vitamin C, pantothenic acid, and vitamin E.
The percentages of vitamins added range from 10 percent of what an adult needs daily to 250 percent. Whenever amounts exceed the recommended dietary allowance for vitamins, there may be a risk for toxicity.
The labels on these vitamin-enhanced waters state a recommended dosage which is usually two bottles per day, except for those with lower nutrient levels, which recommend three to four bottles per day. The risk of toxicity from drinking vitamin water is not high in the recommended dosages.
The risk increases, particularly for children, when greater amounts are consumed and when vitamin waters are combined with vitamin supplements. These products are not recommended for children under the age of 18, but few of these products have caution statements on their labels.
In addition to vitamins, some companies are also adding herbal supplements like ginseng, guarana, chamomile, and others. These additives provide no health benefits and are not suitable for children or pregnant women.
The bottom line is that the vitamins added to these vitamin-enhanced waters are best obtained from food. A well-balanced diet of whole grains, vegetables, fruits, low-fat dairy products, lean meats and alternatives like legumes will provide your family with all of the vitamins they need.
There is no benefit in obtaining vitamins from bottled water and there may be potential harm. Plain water, on the other hand, is refreshing, healthy, and safe to drink. Encourage your family to drink water, but think about using tap water instead to save our environment.
To support the increased blood volume, amniotic fluid, and fetal circulation, overall fluid requirements rise during pregnancy. The best gynecologist offers great suggestions to consume daily 8 to 10 glasses of water daily.