Here we tell you what mineral water is and show what research says about mineral water’s potential health benefits.

What Is Mineral Water?

According to the FDA, mineral water must come from a natural, protected, underground source. In order to qualify, it has to deliver minerals and trace elements—naturally. Mineral water may be still or sparkling; its key differentiator from other waters is that the minerals found inside can’t be added

Mineral Water Health Benefits

There are several health benefits to drinking mineral water, but here’s the catch: The types and amounts of minerals—and thus, the health benefits—will vary based on where the water comes from. A mineral-rich source will boost the benefits you’re getting and will also impact the water’s taste. Still, while the quantity of each may vary, all mineral waters typically offer calcium, which, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) helps build and maintain strong bones; magnesium, which helps keep your heart rhythm normal and aids in muscle contraction; and sodium, which helps with nerve and muscle function, according to the National Library of Medicine’s resource, MedlinePlus.

Absorbability

The form that minerals take in water (called “ionic”) makes them easier for your GI tract to absorb—so drinking your minerals has the potential to be a helpful way to get a significant percentage of your daily quota for calcium and magnesium in a single-liter bottle. A caveat: While sodium—in moderation—is important to help maintain some basic body functions, you probably don’t need to purposefully seek it out to get enough. So if you’re watching your salt intake, you may want to take it easy on mineral water.

Strengthens Bones

Not a big milk drinker? A large review conducted by Nutrients in 2023, has found that calcium from mineral water can be absorbed just as well as calcium from milk. That’s good news for people who don’t like—or can’t drink—milk, and good news for your bones.

Lowers Metabolic Syndrome Risk

According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, metabolic syndrome is a group of conditions that raise your risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes and stroke. A large 2019 review in Nutrients suggests that regular mineral water consumption has beneficial effects on several risk factors for metabolic syndrome, including blood pressure, triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol and blood sugar levels.