Insights & Discussion
Consumption of natural mineral water increases diuresis in both humans and animals, evident sometimes after just one intake.
This systematic review, adhering to PRISMA guidelines, evaluated the diuretic effects of natural mineral water on healthy individuals. Comprehensive searches were conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library up to November 2022, including both human and animal studies. A total of 12 studies were identified, predominantly from Italy and one from Bulgaria, covering publications from 1962 to 2019 for human studies and 1967 to 2001 for animal studies.
All included studies consistently reported an increase in diuresis following the consumption of natural mineral water, with some studies observing this effect after a single administration. However, the quality of these studies, especially the older ones, was noted to be suboptimal. The review underscores the need for newer clinical studies with improved methodological approaches and advanced statistical data processing to validate these findings more robustly.
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Natural calcium-rich mineral waters offer a bioavailable calcium source, beneficial for bone health, cardiovascular function, weight management, and overall well-being.
2023 Nutrients Exploring the Potential Benefits of Natural Calcium-Rich Mineral Waters for Health and Wellness: A Systematic Review Pop MS, Cheregi DC, Onose G, Munteanu C, Popescu C, Rotariu M, et al.
Systematic Review Bone Health Calcium Cardiovascular Disease
This systematic review analyzed peer-reviewed articles, clinical trials, and experimental studies from the past decade. It focused on the health benefits of calcium-rich mineral waters, especially for individuals with lactose intolerance or on plant-based diets. The review process assessed the contribution of these waters to daily calcium intake and their bioavailability compared to other calcium sources.
The review found that natural mineral waters high in calcium can significantly enhance calcium intake, with improved absorption rates. These waters show promise in promoting bone health and cardiovascular function, including potential reductions in blood pressure and cardiovascular disease risk. Some evidence suggests benefits in weight management. However, the review highlighted the need for further research on interactions with other dietary components, effects on specific health conditions, and long-term consumption impacts. Despite these gaps, calcium-rich mineral waters are recognized as a valuable dietary calcium source for a diverse population.
Bicarbonate-rich mineral water “Staatl. Fachingen STILL” significantly reduces heartburn more effectively than placebo, improving patients’ quality of life.
2023 BMJ Open Gastroenterology Heartburn relief with bicarbonate-rich mineral water: results of the randomised, placebo-controlled phase-III trial STOMACH STILL Labenz J, Anschütz M, Walstab J, Wedemeyer RS, Wolters H, Schug B
Randomised Controlled Trial GERD Mineral Water
The STOMACH STILL trial, a multicentre, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study, assessed the effectiveness of Staatl. Fachingen STILL mineral water in relieving heartburn. Adult patients with frequent heartburn episodes for at least six months, but without severe reflux oesophagitis, were recruited. They consumed 1.5 liters per day of either the mineral water (verum) or placebo for six weeks. Primary endpoint was a reduction of at least five points in the Reflux Disease Questionnaire score for heartburn. Secondary endpoints included overall symptom reduction, health-related quality of life measures (QOLRAD), rescue medication intake, and safety/tolerability.
Of the 148 patients randomized, 143 completed the trial. The responder rate was significantly higher in the mineral water group (84.72%) compared to the placebo group (63.51%). Significant improvements were observed in the ‘heartburn’ dimension and overall Reflux Disease Questionnaire scores for the mineral water group. Additionally, three out of five Quality of Life in Reflux and Dyspepsia domains showed improvement: ‘food/drink problems,’ ‘emotional distress,’ and ‘vitality.’ The verum group also reported a decrease in rescue medication use. Only three patients experienced treatment-related adverse events. The study concluded that Staatl. Fachingen STILL mineral water is superior to placebo in relieving heartburn and enhancing health-related quality of life.
Consuming bicarbonate-calcium mineral water, low in sodium, can help manage calcium imbalance and support bone health in perimenopausal women.
2023 Metabolites Supplementing Low-Sodium Bicarbonate–Calcic (Lete)® Water: Effects in Women on Bone and Systemic Metabolism Marino C, Pagano I, Castaldo G, Grimaldi M, D’Elia M, Santoro A, et al.
Clinical Study Menopause Mineral Water Osteoporosis
The study involved 120 perimenopausal women who consumed 2 liters of a specific bicarbonate-calcium mineral water (Lete) daily for six months. This water was chosen because it is rich in calcium and bicarbonate but low in sodium. The study aimed to determine the impact of this water on bone health and overall metabolism. The participants’ urine and blood serum were analyzed using NMR-based metabolomic procedures. These analyses were conducted to assess the effects of the water not only on calcium metabolism but also on the broader systemic metabolism.
The findings indicated that the Lete water effectively compensated for calcium dysmetabolism and supported bone health and integrity in perimenopausal women. While the study primarily focused on bone metabolism, it also provided insights into the potential system-wide metabolic effects of this specific type of mineral water. This suggests that such water could be a valuable dietary supplement for addressing calcium-related metabolic issues, particularly in perimenopausal women.
Vincentka natural mineral water reduces gastric damage and improves antioxidant capacity in an animal model of acute gastric ulcers.
2022 Physiological Research Mineral Water Vincentka and its Influence on Mucosal Ulcers BUDINSKAYA K, NÁDENÍČEK J, STRAČINA T, HENDRYCH M, PÍREK O, BARTÁKOVÁ A, et al.
Experimental Study Mineral Water Mucosal Ulcers Stomach Ulcer
This pilot study involved 16 male Wistar rats, divided into two groups: an experimental group and a control group, each with eight rats. The study was conducted in three phases: a 7-day handling phase, a 7-day phase where the experimental group received Vincentka mineral water and the control group received tap water, and a final phase of acute gastritis induction lasting one day. After 24 hours post-induction, the animals were sacrificed for analysis. Tissue samples from the stomach and duodenum, as well as blood samples, were examined using histological microscopy, immunohistochemical, and biochemical methods.
The histopathological analysis showed significantly less damage to the stomach lining in the experimental group compared to the control group. There were notable differences in blood plasma antioxidant capacity, oxidative stress parameters, and other biochemical values between the groups. These findings indicate that Vincentka mineral water positively affects the development and symptoms of acute gastric ulcers in this animal model, suggesting potential benefits for similar human conditions.
Certain natural mineral waters, when combined with a low-calorie diet, effectively reduce cholesterol and glucose levels in mice with metabolic syndrome.
2022 Frontiers in Nutrition Natural Mineral Waters and Metabolic Syndrome: Insights From Obese Male and Female C57BL/6 Mice on Caloric Restriction Narciso L, Martinelli A, Torriani F, Frassanito P, Bernardini R, Chiarotti F, et al.
Animal Study Blood Sugar Cholesterol Mineral Water
The study involved 125 male and female C57BL/6 mice. Ten mice were kept as a healthy control group, fed a standard diet with tap water. The remaining 115 mice were fed a high-calorie diet (60% fat, 10% fructose in water) for four months to induce metabolic syndrome, followed by a two-month treatment phase with a low-calorie diet and various types of natural mineral water (NMW). The mice were divided into six treatment groups, each receiving a different NMW, and a control group receiving tap water. The study monitored body weight and blood biochemistry over six months.
After four months on a high-calorie diet, both male and female mice developed obesity, high cholesterol, and high blood sugar, with males showing greater increases. During the treatment phase, NMWs rich in sulphate, magnesium, bicarbonate, and minimally mineralized water, along with a low-calorie diet, significantly lowered total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and glucose levels. Sex differences were observed during both the induction and treatment phases. These findings indicate that specific NMWs, in conjunction with a low-calorie diet, may help manage blood lipid and glucose levels in metabolic syndrome, although further research is needed to confirm these results in humans.
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