A: The simple answer to your question is no. There are better ways for your family to get their vitamins. Foods based on Eating Well with Canada’s Food Guide provide the best source of nutrients, but if you are concerned about your nutrient intake, a multivitamin, or mineral supplement is a cheaper alternative to these vitamin waters.

Vitamin waters, also called enhanced waters, are the latest fad to get people to drink more bottled water. They are simply flavoured water, some with sugar or artificial sweetener as well as vitamins and in some cases, herbal supplements added. They range from 0 to 100 calories per 591 mL bottle. They are marketed as an option for people who dislike the taste of plain water but want to drink something lower in calories other than pop or juice. However, at about $2 per 591 mL bottle, they are an expensive and inefficient way to get these vitamins.

Most of the vitamin-enhanced waters on the market have added B vitamins such as vitamins B3, B6 and B12, while others have additional vitamin C, pantothenic acid and vitamin E. The percentages of vitamins added range from 10 per cent of what an adult needs daily to 250 per cent. Whenever amounts exceed the recommended dietary allowance for vitamins, there may be a risk for toxicity.

The labels on these enhanced waters state a recommended dosage which is usually two bottles per day, except for those with lower nutrient levels, which recommend three to four bottles per day. The risk of toxicity from drinking vitamin waters is not high in the recommended dosages. The risk increases, particularly for children, when greater amounts are consumed and when vitamin waters are combined with vitamin supplements. In fact, these products are not recommended for children under the age of 18, but few of these products have caution statements on their label.

In addition to vitamins, some companies are also adding herbal supplements like ginseng, guarana, chamomile, and others. These additives provide no health benefits and are not suitable for children or pregnant women.

The bottom line is that the vitamins added to these enhanced waters are best obtained from food. A well balanced diet of whole grains, vegetables, fruits, low-fat dairy products, lean meats and alternatives like legumes will provide your family with all of the vitamins they need. There is no benefit in obtaining vitamins from bottled water and there may be potential harm. Plain water, on the other hand, is refreshing, healthy and safe to drink. Encourage your family to drink water, but think about using tap water instead to save our environment.

The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit answers questions about nutrition. For more information, including Canada’s Food Guide to Healthy Eating and other resources, phone 258-2146, ext. 3100. Health Fare appears the third Wednesday of the month.

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