(Ab)use of Health Claims in Websites: The Case of Italian Bottled Waters.

The massive use of web marketing makes the monitoring of nutrition and health claims used in advertising campaigns much more difficult. The present study aimed at reviewing the website content for bottled waters produced in Italy to assess (i) if nutrition and health claims are reported, (ii) what types of nutrition and health claims are reported most frequently, and (iii) if the nutrition and health claims could be considered appropriate according to the current regulation in the field. A review of the website content of the 253 bottled waters produced in Italy and reported in the annual report of Bevitalia 2016-2017 was conducted. For each brand, indications related to the preventive, curative or therapeutic properties of the water reported were examined. Bottled waters that included potentially misleading information apparently not consistent with the European Directive on the exploitation and marketing of natural mineral waters were identified. Forty bottled waters with uncertain website content were identified. The information reported in the websites referred most often to beneficial effects for urinary tract and cardiovascular systems. Present results highlight, using the bottled water case study, that website content sometimes happens to deliver misleading information to consumers, also thanks to uncertain regulation in this sensitive field.

[The isolation of organic compounds from hydrosulfuric mineral waters with the use of the extractive freezing-out technique with centrifugation]. / Vydelenie organicheskikh veshchestv iz serovodorodnykh mineral'nykh vod metodom ekstraktsionnogo vymorazhivaniya s tsentrifugirovaniem.

The mineral waters, enriched with organic substances find extensive application in balneotherapy. The fast and efficient methods for the identification and quantitative measurement of organic compounds (in the first place, organic acids) in such waters need to be developed for the estimation of their quality and biological activity. AIM: The objective of the present study was to elaborate a gas chromatographic method for the determination of monobasic carbonic acids in sulfide-containing mineral waters by means of extractive freezing-out in combination with the application of the centrifugal forces for the elucidation of the metrological characteristics of the compounds of interest. The secondary objective was to estimate the prospects for the application of the method of interest for determining the dissolved organic compounds in mineral waters. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The following carbonic acids were used for the purposes of the study: acetic acid (analytical grade), Russia; propionic grade (extra pure), Ferak, Germany; butyric acid (pure), Russia; valeric acid (pure), Russia; caproic acid (pure), Russia; oenanthic acid (pure), Russia; and caprylic acid (pure), Russia). Acetonitrile («O¼ grade), Russia, was used as the extracting agent. The LV-210 analytical balance (Russia) was used to prepare the model and standard solutions of the organic compounds and to determine their mass. The extracts and standard mixture were investigated by the gas chromatographic technique with the use of the Kristallyuks apparatus («Meta-Khrom¼, Russia) equipped with the flame ionization detector and the capillary column. Extractive freezing-out in the combination with centrifugation was performed with the laboratory installation for this purpose. RESULTS: Under the model conditions, a single extractive freezing-out procedure with the centrifugation of the sample made it possible to reach the 22-37-fold concentration of C2-C8 monobasic carbonic acids during their transfer from water into acetonitrile. The metrological parameters of the proposed procedure for gas-chromatographic determination of the aforementioned acids in hydrosulfuric mineral waters were estimated. The limit of detection of acetic and propionic acids has been 0,2 mg/l, that for butyric acid 0,1 mg/l, for valeric, caproic, oenanthic and caprylic acids 0,05 mg/l. We failed to identify C2-C8 carbonic acids in hydrosulfuric water from the 6T well of the field Matsesta fields. The investigation of the extracts obtained by the proposed extraction procedure with the use of the newly developed variant of high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with diode-matrix detection revealed the presence of various amounts of unknown organic substances. The UV-spectrum of one of those components was obtained which made it possible to conjecture its molecular structure. The procedure for the sample preparation and the following determination of organic acids in water is simple, carried out in a single stage, and does not impose special requirements to the qualification of the researcher. It allows to describe the newly developed technique as a rapid test method. Along with it, realization of extraction in the negative temperature mode reduces the risk of decomposition of the thermally unstable chemical compounds being extracted and reduces volatility of the organic solvents being used. The technology of the method does not demand a special laboratory glassware and expendables.

Validation Study on a Method for Simultaneous Quantification of Elements in Mineral Water and Surveillance of Element Concentrations.

A validation study was performed on the Japanese official method to determine several elements (B, Cr, Mn, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Cd, Ba, Pb) in mineral water simultaneously using ICP-MS. The trueness, repeatability and reproducibility of the method were estimated to be in the ranges of 95-106, 0.2-1.4 and 0.4-4.2%, respectively. The values of every performance parameter fulfilled the requirements in the guidelines announced by the Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare of Japan, and the validity of the method was confirmed. The concentrations of the elements in mineral water products purchased from Japanese markets in 2013 and 2014 were surveyed using the method. All products met the specifications defined in the Japanese Food Sanitation Law. No clear relationship between the element concentrations and the survey year or the producing country was found.

[The marketing evaluation of the consumers' preference as regards the use of medicinal and medicinal table mineral waters].

The development of modern technologies in physiotherapy with the use of mineral waters, the expansion of the assortment of the medicinal and medicinal table waters as well as increasing the competitive advantages of domestic products require the more extensive marketing survey of the consumers' preferences in the market of mineral waters. AIM: The objective of the present study was the marketing evaluation of the consumers' preference in the segment of medicinal and medicinal table mineral waters in the city of Moscow. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The survey involved 697 consumers of medicinal and medicinal table mineral waters. The sampling was carried out by the deterministic quota method. The field research was conducted by means of personal verbal interviews (32%) and the CATI to Web method (phone recruiting and on-line questioning) (68%) with the use of the structured questionnaire. Positioning was carried out making use of the two-dimensional schematic map and scoring assessment on an individual basis with calculation of integrated indicators. RESULTS: The marketing evaluation has demonstrated that the principal motive for purchasing mineral waters in more than 40% of respondents was the treatment and prevention of various diseases including disturbances in the urogenital system as well as digestive and respiratory disorders that appear to be the most frequent reasons for the consumption of mineral waters. The main factors that form the preferences of the consumers as regards the use of a concrete variety of mineral waters were elucidated. Of crucial importance for approximately 40% of the consumers (p<0.01) proved to be their health condition, the medical indications, and the available information about the therapeutic effectiveness of one or another type of mineral waters. Other factors were the quality of mineral water, its cost, the manufacturer and/or place of production, the attractiveness of the packaging, etc. CONCLUSION: The evaluation of the positioning of the mineral water consumers' preferences made it possible to identify the most preferable products in the group of medicinal mineral waters and in the group of medicinal table mineral waters. The mechanisms governing the formation of the consumers' preferences as regards the use of various mineral waters have been clarified in the course of the present study.

[Surveillance of Chromium(VI) Concentrations in Mineral Water Products].

We developed and evaluated a method of quantifying chromium(VI) in mineral water (MW). After a performance evaluation, we performed a surveillance of chromium(VI) concentrations in 150 kinds of MW products purchased from markets in 2016. Recovery rates, as examined by using 150 spiked samples prepared from the purchased MW products, ranged from 93 to 107%. These results strongly suggest that the validated method is suitable for quantifying chromium(VI) in MW. Chromium(VI) was detected in 65 kinds of MW products; the detection rate was 43%. The minimum concentration of chromium(VI) was 0.0001 mg/L and the maximum was 0.0019 mg/L. The median value of chromium(VI) concentration was 0.0003 mg/L. In most of the products in which chromium(VI) was detected, the concentration ranged from 0.0001 to 0.0002 mg/L. No products were found with concentrations higher than the value (0.05 mg/L) set by the Food Sanitation Law as the specification for MW.

Quality assessment of Romanian bottled mineral water and tap water.

This study reports the evaluation of bottled mineral water characteristics using fluorescence spectroscopy (synchronous fluorescence scans and emission spectra) and physico-chemical analyses. Samples from 14 still mineral water brands were compared to 11 tap waters collected from two Romanian cities. Correlation and factor analyses were undertaken to understand the relationships between the individual components. The concentration of major and minor ions showed great variation between the bottled mineral water samples highlighting the diversity of the water intakes, while in the case of tap water the chemical composition was relatively similar for samples collected in the same city. Fluorescence data showed that the mineral water contained low quantities of organic matter. The humic fraction was dominant in all samples, while the microbial fraction was low in most samples. Synchronous fluorescence scans provided more information, regarding the composition of organic matter, compared to emission spectra. The study evidenced the correlation between fluorescence parameters and major elements and highlighted the potential of using fluorescence for qualitative evaluation of the bottled mineral water quality, as a screening method before undertaking complex analyses.

Fluoruro en aguas minerales naturales envasadas en España y prevención de la caries dental / Fluoride content of bottled natural mineral waters in Spain and prevention of dental caries

OBJETIVO: El propósito del estudio es conocer la concentración en flúor de las aguas minerales naturales comercializadas en España para poder prevenir la caries dental sin el riesgo de causar fluorosis dental. DISEÑO: Estudio descriptivo y transversal a lo largo de 2012. Emplazamiento: Aguas minerales naturales comercializadas en España. PARTICIPANTES: Tres muestras con fechas distintas de embotellado de 109 marcas de aguas minerales naturales (97 marcas españolas y 12 aguas importadas). Medición principal: Determinación analítica por cromatografía iónica del contenido en fluoruro en el agua. RESULTADOS: La concentración mediana de fluoruro de las aguas minerales naturales españolas es de 0,22 (rango 0,00-4,16; rango intercuartil: 0,37). La gran mayoría (61 marcas, 62%) contenían menos de 0,30 mg/L. Hay 19 marcas que contienen más de 0,6 mg/L. Hay 19 marcas españolas que contienen más de 0,6 mg/L. En las 12 aguas minerales importadas, la mediana es de 0,35 (rango 0,10-1,21; rango intercuartil: 0,23). Sólo en 28 de las 109 marcas examinadas (25,6%) se especificaba el contenido de fluoruro en la etiqueta. Se observa una buena correlación entre las concentraciones indicadas y los valores analizados. CONCLUSIONES: Las concentraciones de fluoruro en las aguas minerales naturales comercializadas en España muestran una gran variabilidad. Dado el creciente consumo de las aguas minerales naturales en España, este tipo de información es de suma importancia para poder hacer una correcta utilización de flúor en la prevención primaria de la caries dental

AIM: The aim of the study was to determine the concentration of fluoride in natural mineral waters marketed in Spain in order to prevent tooth decay without the risk of causing dental fluorosis DESIGN: Descriptive and cross-sectional study during 2012. LOCATION: Natural mineral waters marketed in Spain. PARTICIPANTS: Three bottles with different bottling dates of 109 natural mineral waters (97 Spanish and 12 imported brands). Main measures: Determination of fluoride by ion chromatography RESULTS: Median fluoride concentrations of the natural mineral waters bottled in Spain was 0.22 (range 0.00-4.16; interquartile range:0.37). Most samples (61 brands, 62%) contained less than 0.3 mg/L. There are 19 Spanish brands with more than 0.6 mg/L. The median level in imported brands was 0.35 (range 0.10-1.21; interquartile range: 0.23). Only 28 of the 109 brands examined (25.6%) specified the fluoride content on the label. Good correlation was observed between the concentrations indicated and those determined. CONCLUSIONS: Fluoride concentrations in natural mineral waters showed high variation. Given the growing consumption of natural mineral waters in Spain, this type of information is important to make proper use of fluoride in the primary prevention of dental caries

Trace elements and heavy metals in mineral and bottled drinking waters on the Iranian market.

A survey of Iranian waters, sampled from 2010 to 2013, is presented. A total of 128 water samples from 42 different brands of bottled mineral and drinking water were collected and analysed for contamination levels of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), arsenic (As) and mercury (Hg). Determinations were performed using a graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer for Pb, Cd and Cu, a hydride vapour generation as well as an Arsenator digital kit (Wagtech WTD, Tyne and Wear, UK) for As and a direct mercury analyser for Hg. Arsenic concentration in six bottled gaseous mineral samples was higher than the related limit. Regardless of these, mean concentrations of Pb, Cd, Cu, As and Hg in all types of water samples were 4.50 ± 0.49, 1.08 ± 0.09, 16.11 ± 2.77, 5.80 ± 1.63 and 0.52 ± 0.03 µg L⁻¹, respectively. Values obtained for analysed heavy metals in all samples were permissible according to the limits of national and international standards.

Estudio de las características físico-químicas de las aguas del balneario / Study characteristics physical-chemical of the waters of the Spa

Las aguas del balneario de La Villa de Olmedo (Valladolid) tienen características especiales; son aguas de alta salinidad que fueron declaradas como agua "Termal y Mineromedicinal" en junio de 2005 en la Comunidad de Castilla-León. Se trata de aguas hipotermales, con un pH en torno a 8, de alta mineralización, con un elevado residuo superior a los cinco gramos por litro. Destaca el elevado contenido de sodio que, junto a un alto contenido de cloruros, da origen a aguas clorurado-sódicas. El contenido de sulfatos es elevado y presentan concentraciones bajas de calcio y magnesio, por lo que no destacan por su dureza, considerándolas blandas

The waters of the Spa La Villa de Olmedo (Valladolid) have special characteristics; are high salinity waters declared as water "Thermal and Minero-medicinal water" in June 2005 by the Community of Castilla-León. These hypothermic waters have a pH around 8.0 and are characterized by high mineralization, with a high residue content of five grams per liter. Sodium content stand out among the elements that form the salts, which along with high chloride content gives rise to sodium-chloride waters. In addition, the sulphate content is high and the concentrations of calcium and magnesium are low, which these waters are not noted for heir hardness, so they are considered as soft waters

[Isolation of the organic components from Munok mineral water].

The solid-state extraction technique and chromatography mass spectrometry were used to study the intrinsic composition of organic components of the mineral water obtained from the Munok deposit located in the Kazachinsko-Lensk district, Irkutsk region. The active components determining the mechanism of action of a mineral water-based preparation were identified and showed to operate similarly to those of Naftusya mineral water. The balneotherapeutic preparation was fabricated making use of the earlier developed technology of water vapor distillation. The analysis of organic components of mineral water and its extraction products showed the presence of aliphatic hydrocarbons with the high content of unsaturated compounds. The preparation thus obtained, unlike the standard balneotherapeutic medicines, does riot contain an inorganic matrix; it was shown to increase body resistance in the phase of remission in the patients treated for the management of urolithiasis.

What's wrong with the tap? Examining perceptions of tap water and bottled water at Purdue University.

The environmental impacts of bottled water prompted us to explore drinking water choices at Purdue University, located in West Lafayette, IN. A random sample of 2,045 Purdue University students, staff, and faculty was invited to participate in an online survey. The survey assessed current behaviors as well as perceived barriers and benefits to drinking tap water versus bottled water. 677 surveys were completed for a response rate of 33.1%. We then conducted qualitative interviews with a purposive sample of university undergraduates (n = 21) to obtain contextual insights into the survey results and the beliefs of individuals with a variety of drinking water preferences. This study revealed that women drink disproportionately more bottled water then men while undergraduate students drink more than graduate students, staff and faculty. The study also uncovered a widespread belief that recycling eliminates the environmental impacts of bottled water. Important barriers to drinking tap water at Purdue include: perceived risks from tap water and the perceived safety of bottled water, preferring the taste of bottled water, and the convenience of drinking bottled water. The qualitative interviews revealed that drinking water choices can be influenced by several factors-especially whether individuals trust tap water to be clean-but involve varying levels of complexity. The implications of these results for social marketing strategies to promote tap water are discussed.

[Study of the composition of steam condensate at the Yangan-Tau health resort].

Investigation into the composition of steam condensate from gasothermal baths at the Yangan-Tau health resort showed that it contains a large amount of organic substances. The overwhelming majority of these compounds were shown to be products of thermo-oxidative breakdown of bituminol. They were studied with a view to identifying potential carcinogenic agents. Eight compounds found in the gasothermal baths of the health resort are known to be on the list of carcinogenic agents. However, their concentration does not exceed the maximum permissible levels which confirms that these baths pose no carcinogenic risk for the patients. The sole radioactive agent present at an elevated concentration is radon considered to be a therapeutic factor of the Yangan-Tau gasothermal baths.

Concentrations of selected trace elements in mineral and spring bottled waters on the Serbian market.

Eight selected trace elements, which are generally included in regulations, were analyzed in 23 types of bottled waters. Ten mineral and seven spring bottled waters were from the Serbian market and six mineral bottled waters were obtained in different EU countries. For the purpose of comparison, selected tap waters were also analyzed. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used for the analysis of trace elements (arsenic, cadmium, copper, manganese, nickel, lead and antimony). Results were compared with the Serbian regulations for bottled water, EU regulations and guideline values set by the World Health Organization for drinking water. With few exceptions, the trace element levels of most bottled waters were below the guideline values. However, a higher content of antimony was observed in waters from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) containers, indicating a potential leaching of this element from the plastic packaging.

Is bottled water really unsafe for making up infant formula?

The NHS advises parents not to use bottled water to make up infant formula feed, so parents face a dilemma when this is all that is available. Unfortunately, when they turn to their local healthcare professional, many are not given the correct advice. When mains water supplies are disrupted or there is a problem with water quality, water utilities make limited quantities of safe drinking water available, and one increasingly popular option is to distribute bottled water to affected households. Healthcare professionals regularly caution parents against using this for infant formula preparation because of its perceived unsuitability. This advice is usually given without recommending appropriate alternatives, leading to confusion and anxiety. Under these circumstances, there is a serious risk that parents will turn to unsuitable or unsafe forms of infant feeding. A review of the chemical quality of bottled waters readily available in supermarket chains established that healthcare professionals' concerns are not justified. There appears to be a serious deficit in the information provided by the NHS, and in the education and training of healthcare professionals. In order to protect the lives of infants, it is important that this is rectified quickly.

Fluoride content of bottled water commercialized in two cities of northeastern Brazil

Aim: The objectives of this study were to evaluate the fluoride content of bottled water commercialized intwo cities of northeastern Brazil and to compare the fluoride values measured in the water to the ones printed on the bottle label, considering risks (dental fluorosis) and benefits (caries control) of systemic fluoride exposure. Methods: Fifty-six water samples were collected from 20 brands available in severalsupermarkets with high turnover in different regions of the municipalities of São Luís (State of Maranhão)and João Pessoa (State of Paraíba) in 2009. Fluoride concentrations were determined by triplicate analysisusing an ion-specific electrode. Results: The measured mean fluoride content varied from 0.001 to 0.270 ppmF with a mean (±SD) of 0.037 (±0.041) for the 56 samples. The majority of samples were found to contain less than 0.043 ppmF (92%). Conclusion: These results emphasize the importance of controllingthe fluoride levels in bottled water enforced by the Brazilian Sanitary Surveillance Agency. Concerning therisks and benefits, fluoride concentrations in the evaluated bottled water samples were below the suggested concentration (0.7 mg F/l), having neither preventive effect nor the potential for causing dental fluorosis.

[Saprophytic microflora of Kurgazak mineral water].

Samples of weakly mineralized hydrocarbonate-calcium-magnesium water from the spring of Kurgazak were analyzed during 3 successive years for the purpose of investigating seasonal dynamics of trophic microorganisms.

[The statement of Polish Gynaecologic Society experts concerning drinking water consumption in women in reproductive age, pregnancy and breast feeding]. / Stanowisko Zespolu Ekspertów Polskiego Towarzystwa Ginekologicznego dotyczaqce spozycia wody pitnej przez kobiety w okresie rozrodczym, ciezarne oraz karmiace piersia.

Water is a substance essential for life. It creates the environment of our body, keeps it's homeostasis, enables every biochemical reaction and metabolic processes in human organism. Maternal hydratation is essential for homeostasis of two organisms and drinking water influences the amniotic fluid volume, fetal well-being and removes toxic metabolic products. The chemical contaminants of drinking water and products of it's chlorination and ozonization could be responsible for spontaneous abortion, birth defects and perinatal complications. Therefore it is recommended to drink natural mineral water for women in reproductive age.

Microbiological safety of bottled mineral water in patients susceptible to infections.

We evaluated the microbiological safety of bottled mineral water products commercially available in Japan. Of 10 bottled mineral water products manufactured in Japan, no bacteria or fungi were detected in 9 (90%), but 1 (10%) contained 1.8x10(3) colony-forming units (cfu)/mL. Of 12 bottled mineral water products manufactured in the EU, 11 (91.7%) contained 23-3.5x10(4) cfu/mL. On the other hand, of 5 bottled mineral water products manufactured in North America, 2 (40%) contained 2.3x10(2)-2.5x10(3) cfu/mL. The detected microorganisms were glucose-nonfermentative Gram-negative bacilli such as Brevundimonas vesicularis, Moraxella spp., and Burkholderia cepacia, but Pseudomonas aeruginosa was not detected in any product. For immunocompromised host patients being managed in ultra-clean rooms, the examined bottled mineral water products manufactured in Japan, except 1, were microbiologically safe.