Evaluation of the contents of mineral water, spring water, table water and spa water.

The present study surveys and evaluates the mineral contents of the speciality drinking waters currently available in Germany. A total of 257 producers and 226 reports of water contents have been consulted. The minerals sodium, calcium, potassium and magnesium together with the halogens chlorine and fluorine have been of special interest here in view of their significance in infant feeding, caries prevention, and possible influence on the drinking waters, the sodium concentrated from 0.9 mg/l (Finkenbachquelle, mineral water) to 12830 mg/l (Bad Mergentheimer Albertquelle, spa water). The potassium values also, range broadly, between 1.4 mg/l (Kisslegger Sprudel, mineral water) and 611 mg/l (Obenauer Löwensprudel, mineral water). Fluoride concentrations were given special attention, since they are of significance in caries prevention, for the strength of bones, and also considerable importance in connection with the danger of fluorosis. Numerous commercial mineral waters and table waters contain too little fluoride (0.007 mg/l, Kirkeler Waldquelle, mineral water) or have fluoride concentrations over 4.1 mg/l (Hardenstein Brunnen, mineral water). The latter appear inappropriate, especially for small children. On the basis of the considerable variations of mineral and halogen contents in commercial mineral waters and table waters, the concentration of crucial trace elements should be clearly stated on the labels of the bottles, along with relevant information concerning possible effects.