Is RO Water Healthy to Drink?
by Ingegerd R.
(Sweden)

Walking with a caneDrinking RO water may affect bone density

Note: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

QUESTION:

RO water is stated to be healthy. What proof is there for that? Can you refer to scientific articles?


ANSWER:

In my water research thus far, I have not come across any scientific articles proving that Reverse Osmosis (RO) water is healthy, other than the fact that it does remove some (but not all) unhealthy contaminants from water.

However, since the reverse osmosis purification system also removes the minerals in water, I believe drinking this water for a prolonged length of time is not healthy.

You can read more of my comments on reverse osmosis water here.

Several years ago, I drank reverse osmosis, convinced at the time that it was the purest drinking water. After a few years, I ended up with osteopenia (pre-osteoporosis).

Perhaps it was a coincidence, but I am convinced the RO water was at least partly to blame.

I also noticed that when I got off the reverse osmosis water and started drinking filtered water again, I had noticeably more energy.

So, from my personal experience I believe there is something to the statement from many water experts that demineralized water is "dead" water.

RO Water and Distilled Water Are Demineralized

In many ways, reverse osmosis water is like distilled water because they are both demineralized.

You can read what some reputable doctors have said about the disadvantages of drinking distilled water here.

The World Health Organization (WHO) published a lengthy study on nutrients in drinking water.  Chapter 12 of this study reveals some of the health risks associated with drinking demineralized water. 

The WHO study is the most comprehensive scientific-type of study published that I have come across thus far that suggests that drinking RO water for any lengthy of time is not healthy.

In 2012 I came across an article in our local paper about a study that was conducted at Montana State University in Bozeman, Montana, regarding the health benefits of drinking mineralized water.

You can read the full article here:  MSU study finds that drinking mineralized water might provide health benefits

Some RO water system manufacturers offer an optional add-on to replace some of the minerals that are removed through the RO process. Investing in these add-ons is highly recommended if you already have an RO system or are determined to buy one.

Crystal Quest countertop RO drinking water systems and the Crystal Quest RO under sink systems, both types have the option to add on a mineralizer cartridge.


Better Drinking Water Choices


In conclusion, if I had to choose between drinking tap water or reverse osmosis, I would choose RO water because I believe the contaminants and chemicals in tap water are more dangerous than demineralized water. 

However, if I had to drink demineralized water for any length of time, I would definitely take a liquid ionic mineral supplement, such Liquid Ionic Trace Formula.

In addition, I always recommend adding a high-quality, natural sea salt (rich in trace minerals) to water for optimum hydration.

There are several to choose from, but the type of salt I most recommend is Celtic sea salt or Himalayan crystal salt.

Rather than RO water, I believe the better choice in drinking water is filtered drinking water or ionized water.

I hope this answers your question and gives you some options to consider for the healthiest drinking water.  

P.S. If any visitor comes across any other peer-reviewed studies that prove the health benefits or health risks of drinking demineralized water, please send them my way! 


Return from Is RO Water Healthy to Drink to Filtered Drinking Water



If you would like to reproduce or republish this article or any other article on this site, feel free to do so but please include a reference or link to the article at WaterBenefitsHealth.com. 


Did you find this page helpful? Please share it . . .

Would you prefer to share this page with others by linking to it?

  1. Click on the HTML link code below.
  2. Copy and paste it, adding a note of your own, into your blog, a Web page, forums, a blog comment, your Facebook account, or anywhere that someone would find this page valuable.


Sign Up for Our Monthly
Newsletter



50% Off Select Filtration Systems

Visitor Comments

"This was the best and most straight forward info on the net yet. I asked a question and got an answer that made sense. Thank you so much!" - Linderlinder

FINALLY!!! I have been wondering about this for years with no 'solid' answer. This is exactly what I've been wanting to know! Thank you for this share..." by Andy

"Thank you for the information, Nancy. I appreciate it. Your article and findings are very helpful,  referring to dehydration." -  Carolyn

"Lemon water is one drink both my wife and I can't drink. It upsets our stomachs. We are in our sixties and in very good healthwell, better health now that we drink about 2 liters plus of water each day. It has made so much difference to our digestive systems and recovery every day. Thank you for your website and effort." - Rod