September 19, 2021, 4:40 am | Read time: 3 minutes
The advice is often repeated: Drink more. In addition to tap water and regular mineral water, consumers can also choose from numerous medicinal waters. But what exactly distinguishes them?
It’s recommended to drink between two and three liters of liquid daily, preferably opting for calorie-free beverages, primarily water. Nowadays, the selection is vast. Many people choose medicinal water over tap or mineral water, as the name suggests a health-promoting effect. But is that really the case? And what is the difference between mineral water and medicinal water?
Overview
The Difference Between Medicinal and Mineral Water
It’s not just hocus-pocus. Where medicinal water is labeled, it must contain healing properties. “Medicinal water is not considered a food like mineral, spring, and table water, but as a medicinal product and is therefore subject to the Medicines Act,” according to the website of the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture. This means: Unlike regular water, medicinal water must be approved by the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM).
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Like other medicinal products, the bottler of medicinal water must prove the effectiveness, quality, and safety of the product with scientific reports. The law requires extensive testing and documentation. This difference is also reflected in the price, which is significantly higher for medicinal water than for regular mineral water.
How Is Medicinal Water Created?
Medicinal waters come from deep rock layers. The rainwater that has seeped into the ground has traveled a long way to get there, being filtered along the way. Depending on the rock, it absorbs minerals. Based on geological conditions, different waters develop with various compositions of minerals and trace elements.
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Always Check the Label
The application area varies depending on the content of certain substances. For example, those who need to consume a lot of calcium or magnesium can do so with medicinal water. Waters high in sulfate are considered to stimulate digestion, while medicinal waters with bicarbonate are said to relieve heartburn. Some people drink medicinal water simply for their own well-being.
The label on the medicinal water bottle lists the application areas and drinking recommendations. It also provides the analytical composition of the respective medicinal water. It’s important that the last analysis wasn’t too long ago. If the date is old, the stated mineral content may no longer be accurate.
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Is Medicinal Water Better Than “Normal” Water?
Medicinal waters are not a necessity, of course. Especially in Germany, the quality of tap water is so good that it meets all requirements. A complete and balanced diet already provides the body with all essential minerals and trace elements. Calcium is found in dairy products like cheese or yogurt, while magnesium is present in bananas and nuts, for example. However, medicinal water has one advantage: It contains minerals but no calories.
Generally, medicinal waters sold in bottles can be consumed daily in larger quantities—without a prescription. However, people with limited heart and kidney function should not consume too much liquid at once. For existing conditions, it’s advisable to coordinate usage with a family doctor or other experienced health professionals. Because the intake of certain substances in large quantities is not always beneficial. Even without pre-existing conditions, the consumer advice center recommends drinking medicinal water only after consulting a doctor.