This article contains findings obtained from research on animals:
- The results from animal research studies should not be directly applied to humans and the results may not generalise to the human population.
- There may be significant differences between species in terms of physiology, physiology, and pharmacology, as well as differences in the way diseases and treatments are modelled in animals.
- Any conclusions drawn from animal research should be considered with caution and in the context of other types of research studies such as observational studies, clinical trials, and reviews of the literature.
Insights & Discussion
Mineral water increases the diversity of gut microbiota by aiding the growth of Bacteroidetes taxa.
The researchers carried out the study on BALB/c mice, focusing specifically on the bacterial community in their feces and how it responds to different types of drinking water. These types included commercial bottled mineral water, natural water, purified water, and tap water. After culturing the feces in a combination of brain heart infusion broth dissolved in the four water types, they conducted a 16S rRNA gene analysis to study the bacterial composition.
The bacterial composition varied significantly between the four different types of drinking water. Over time, the overall number of Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) decreased, with the exception of cultures grown in mineral water under aerobic conditions. Under these conditions, by the fifth day, alpha diversity differences were particularly noticeable when comparing mineral water with the other types. The most unique taxa were found within the mineral water group. Notably, the Bacteroidetes taxa showed the most significant differences, dominating in the mineral water compared to the other types of water. This indicates that using mineral water as a culture medium could lead to a progressive increase in gut microbiota diversity.
Discover Related Insights
Consuming “Sneznik-1/79” mineral water significantly improves intestinal health and reduces cholesterol in type 2 diabetes patients.
2023 Heliyon The еffects of low mineral content water on microbiota, metabolic, and oxidative stress parameters in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus Jovicic N, Andjic M, Novakovic J, Jeremic N, Zivkovic V, Srejovic I, et al.
Cohort Study Gut Microbiota Intestinal Peristalsis Mineral Water
The study involved 60 patients with confirmed Type 2 Diabetes, who drank “Sneznik-1/79” mineral water from Serbia daily for 28 days. Researchers conducted standard biochemical tests, including glucose level, lipid profile, and stool analysis. Additionally, blood samples were taken to assess the impact of the water on oxidative stress markers.
Post consumption of “Sneznik-1/79” water, a substantial decrease in total cholesterol levels was noted. Notably, all patients experienced regular daily bowel movements, indicating improved intestinal peristalsis. Half of the participants showed elimination of dysbiosis. Furthermore, there was an increase in antioxidants like superoxide dismutase and reduced glutathione, suggesting enhanced antioxidant capacity. The study highlights “Sneznik-1/79” water as a potential complementary treatment for improving gut health and reducing cholesterol in Type 2 Diabetes patients.
Two French natural mineral waters (NMW1 and NMW2) show anti-inflammatory effects and can reduce intestinal inflammation in mice with induced colitis.
2021 International Journal of Molecular Sciences Beneficial Effects of Natural Mineral Waters on Intestinal Inflammation and the Mucosa-Associated Microbiota Barnich N, Rodrigues M, Sauvanet P, Chevarin C, Denis S, Le Goff O, et al.
Experimental Study Colitis Digestive Health Gut Microbiota
The study investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of two French natural mineral waters (NMWs) - NMW1 (rich in calcium, magnesium, sodium, carbon, and iron) and NMW2 (mainly bicarbonate) - on intestinal inflammation. Intestinal epithelial cells were stimulated with heat-inactivated Escherichia coli or hydrogen peroxide and then treated with NMWs. Additionally, moderate colitis was induced in Balbc/J mice using 1% dextran sulfate sodium. These mice were then given either NMW1, NMW2, or control water. The study assessed general symptoms, histological features of colitis, fecal lipocalin-2 levels, pro-inflammatory KC cytokine levels, and the global mucosa-associated microbiota.
Both NMW1 and NMW2 showed anti-inflammatory effects in treated intestinal cells. In the colitis-induced mice, NMW1 notably reduced inflammation, evidenced by lower disease activity scores, reduced fecal lipocalin-2, decreased release of pro-inflammatory KC cytokines, and smaller intestinal epithelial lesions. NMW1 also helped in maintaining the normal state of mucosa-associated microbiota. These findings suggest the potential of these NMWs in managing inflammatory bowel disease through modulating gut microbiota.