Can mineral water help with digestion?
Possibly, for constipation. One randomized trial of 500 mL a day of a very mineral-rich water (high in sulphate and magnesium) found a trend toward more bowel movements over six weeks, but the main result was not confirmed and the evidence is limited, and ordinary mineral water is not shown to help digestion. Fluids and fibre matter more.
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In this article
Can mineral water help digestion?
Only some types, and only for certain problems. There is no general proof that everyday mineral water improves digestion. A few studies have tested waters with very high sulphate and magnesium levels in people with constipation.
What did the trial find?
A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of 106 adults with functional constipation tested a natural mineral water from Slovenia (Donat Mg). In the groups analysed at 500 mL (75 people), participants drank 500 mL a day in two portions for six weeks; the 300 mL groups were stopped after an interim analysis. The water contained about 2,000 mg per litre of sulphate and 1,000 mg per litre of magnesium. The comparison water was low-mineral sparkling water.
- The main measure (complete spontaneous bowel movements a week) only reached a trend: the authors did not call it confirmed, and in the per-valid-case analysis the difference was not significant.
- Total spontaneous bowel movements were higher, and stool consistency and constipation symptoms improved more than with placebo.
It was a single-center study of six weeks, funded by the water’s manufacturer, and one author works for that company. The authors also noted the sample may have been too small for firm conclusions.
What this means
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does any mineral water help? | Not shown. The trial used a very high-mineral water |
| Is it a treatment? | No. It was a study, not medical advice |
| Is the effect long term? | Unknown beyond six weeks |
Safer first steps for digestion
- Drink enough fluid through the day.
- Eat fibre from fruit, vegetables, beans and whole grains.
- Stay active.
Cautions
High-magnesium or high-sodium waters are not suitable for everyone. People with kidney disease, heart problems or on a low-sodium diet should ask a doctor first. See a doctor if constipation lasts, or if you have pain, blood in the stool or unexplained weight loss.
General information, not medical advice.
People also ask
Does sparkling mineral water help digestion?
There is no good evidence that it does in general.
Is magnesium mineral water good for constipation?
One trial of a very high sulphate and magnesium water showed a trend and some symptom improvements, but evidence is limited and the study was funded by the maker.
How much mineral water should I drink?
The trial used 500 mL a day. Ask a doctor before using a high-mineral water regularly.
Sources
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