Why everyone's trying enriched waters: what changes to expect in your routine and if it's worth it

The so-called enriched or functional waters are beverages that have minerals added to them, mainly:

• magnesium
• sodium
• potassium
• calcium
• electrolytes

These minerals help the body function by participating in fluid balance, muscle contraction, nerve function and cellular hydration.

Many brands also use terms such as:

• "advanced hydration"
• "electrolyte replacement"
• "functional water"
• "alkaline water"
• "performance"
• "recovery"

The aim is to turn water into a wellness product, not just a thirst-quenching drink.

It does, and this is precisely one of the most important points in this discussion.

Natural mineral water already contains minerals naturally present in the underground source, such as:

• magnesium
• calcium
• sodium
• bicarbonate
• potassium

The composition varies according to the origin of the water and the rocks it passes through.

In other words, many people buy water "with minerals" without realizing that traditional mineral water already has these components naturally.

The difference is that in enriched waters, the minerals are usually added artificially or concentrated in greater quantities.

Not always.

Experts say that for most healthy people, ordinary water or natural mineral water is enough to keep them well hydrated on a daily basis.

Versions with electrolytes can be useful in specific situations, such as:

• intense exercise
• excessive heat
• excessive loss of sweat
• episodes of vomiting or diarrhea
• prolonged physical activity

During sweating, the body loses not only water, but also sodium and other important electrolytes.

In these cases, mineral replacement can help with recovery and hydration.

But outside of these situations, the practical difference is usually small for most people.

Magnesium has become one of the main protagonists of this new generation of drinks.

It participates in hundreds of processes in the body, including:

• muscle function
• energy production
• muscle relaxation
• nervous balance
• sleep quality

For this reason, many brands use the mineral as their main selling point.

The problem is that some waters contain relatively small amounts of magnesium, insufficient to have a significant impact on health.

What's more, most of the magnesium we consume comes from food - especially leafy greens:

• leafy greens
• beans
• seeds
• nuts
• legumes
• whole grains

In other words: drinking enriched water is no substitute for a balanced diet.

Electrolytes have also gained fame thanks to the fitness world.

They are minerals that help control

• hydration
• blood pressure
• nerve impulses
• muscle contraction

The marketing of sports drinks and functional waters has led many people to believe that it is necessary to replenish electrolytes all the time.

But experts warn that this may be an exaggeration.

For light activities or a normal routine, pure water usually meets the body's needs.

There is also a strong premium positioning component in this market.

Enriched waters are usually sold with:

• sophisticated design
• fitness appeal
• scientific language
• promises of performance
• association with health and well-being

This follows a global trend of turning basic products into functional items.

In many cases, consumers pay more for benefits they may not even realize in practice.

So is it worth buying?

It depends on the person's profile.

Enriched waters can make sense for

• athletes
• people who train hard
• people who perspire a lot
• people recovering from dehydration
• extremely hot environments

For the rest of the population, natural mineral water remains an efficient and sufficient option most of the time.

• drink water regularly
• eat well
• avoiding dehydration

In the end, many of these waters deliver more convenience and wellness marketing than a real health revolution.