In recent years, purified water has become a popular choice for many people, especially among the younger generation. Whether it's from bottled water or water coolers in offices, we find ourselves drawn to the crisp, clean, transparent liquid.

It feels reassuring to drink, as we believe it's free from impurities. However, a growing concern has emerged—could drinking purified water lead to calcium deficiency? Let's explore this together, Lykkers.

Why Do We Drink Water?

The primary reason we drink water is to stay hydrated, not to supply our bodies with nutrients like calcium. In China, drinking water comes in several varieties: tap water, purified water, mineralized water, and others. Each type has its benefits and downsides.

Tap water is the most common source, coming from natural sources like surface or underground water. After being processed, it's delivered directly to households. Purified water, on the other hand, is filtered from tap water and contains fewer impurities. However, it also loses essential minerals during the filtration process, such as calcium, magnesium, and zinc.

Does Purified Water Affect Calcium Levels?

While purified water does help with hydration, it's not a significant source of calcium. Calcium, an essential mineral for our bones, comes mainly from the food we eat, not from water. It's true that some mineral water contains trace amounts of calcium, but its contribution to overall calcium intake is minimal.

The fact is, our calcium intake is mainly influenced by our diet. Foods like dairy products, peanuts, black sesame, and leafy greens are rich in calcium and have high absorption rates. The recommended daily calcium intake for adults is around 800mg, a goal that's easily achievable with a balanced diet.

How Much Calcium Can You Get From Water?

Water, including purified water, can provide some minerals, but its calcium contribution is very small. For example, the World Health Organization suggests that the ideal water hardness for drinking water is 170mg/L, of which only 40% is calcium. This means, even if we drink the recommended 1.2 liters of water a day, we would only absorb about 100mg of calcium from the water—a fraction of the amount we get from food.

What Should We Drink Instead?

While purified water is good for hydration, it's not ideal as a long-term, sole water source because it lacks essential minerals. That's why, while an occasional glass of purified water won't harm us, it's not recommended to rely on it daily for hydration. From a health, economic, and hygienic perspective, boiled water is actually the best choice for long-term hydration.

Don't Worry About Calcium Deficiency

Despite the rumors, there's no direct link between drinking purified water and calcium deficiency. Calcium levels in our bodies depend on many factors, including our diet, age, and overall health. As long as we maintain a balanced diet and ensure we're consuming enough calcium-rich foods, drinking purified water should not be a concern.

In conclusion, the purpose of drinking water is hydration, not calcium supplementation. If you enjoy drinking purified water, it's fine as long as it's not your only source of hydration. But for long-term health, consider drinking boiled water, which is the most suitable for the body.

So, Lykkers, there's no need to stress about calcium deficiency caused by purified water. Keep your hydration balanced, and focus on eating a nutrient-rich diet. Stay healthy!