Food Talk : Beware of claims about additives in bottled water
Posted on Wednesday, May 14, 2008
URL: http://www.nwanews.com/hl/Community/24466/
QUESTION: I have noticed many different bottles of water with things added to them. For example “ vitamin water and protein water. ” Are these better for you than plain water ? ANSWER: Let me start out by saying that nothing takes the place of “ plain” water. Our bodies need to be hydrated. Water is the only liquid our cells can use for metabolism. Anything we add to water will slow the absorption of water and affect our metabolism. If you have consumed eight cups of water for the day and want to add the new “ functional ” beverage, that is your choice, but these beverages should be taken for a different reason, not as hydration. Beverages referred to as “ functional” beverages are drinks that have been enhanced with ingredients that claim to provide specific health benefits. You many find them marketed as “ neutraceuticals. ” Vitamins, protein and herbs are favorite additions to the water. The sale of these beverages has become a multi-billion dollar industry.
The consumer should think twice before investing in these drinks, especially if the promise is to “ enlighten your senses” or “ sharpen your mind. ” In many cases, these supplements have very little scientific research behind them. In fact, the Food and Drug Administration has never approved many of the additions as allowable additives. But while the agency has never determined that they are safe, it has not sought to ban them. As a result, the food /
beverage
companies have the
right to add
them to their
products for
sale. The new beverages seldom contain recommended doses on their label or what percent the beverage is contributing toward a recommended dose. It is up to you to research this information. Some of the scientific communities that have checked out the contents of the bottles think the items added are in such low dose that no risk is presented. But, that also means the additions may be of little benefit. Popular ingredients in functional beverages are caffeine, green tea, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, echinacea, cranberry extracts, ginger, and even kava or St, John’s wort. Even though these may be marketed as “ natural” ingredients, they are not without risk. Some of these affect prescribed medications and should not be ingested without checking with your doctor. We need to remember, just because water has ingredients added to it does not mean it is healthier. Just because we pay more does not mean it is better for us. The advertisement may lead you to think the product is “ good for you ” when in actuality it has not been proven to be so. Regardless, this is one of the fastest growing markets for our dollar. But, be sensible about your cents.
Jones welcomes your dietary questions. Send them to: Dietary, Siloam Springs Memorial Hospital, 205 E. Jefferson, Siloam Springs, AR 72761 or call 549-2479.