Health Implications of Drinking RO Purified Water: Myths and Facts

Reverse Osmosis (RO) systems have become a popular choice for water purification in households and industries. However, with its widespread adoption, there have been concerns, myths, and misconceptions about the health implications of consuming RO purified water. Let’s separate fact from fiction and delve into the health aspects of drinking water from RO systems.

Myth 1: RO Water is Too Pure and Lacks Essential Minerals

Fact: While RO systems are efficient in removing contaminants, they also reduce some beneficial minerals like calcium and magnesium. However, the reduction doesn’t necessarily make the water “too pure” or devoid of all minerals. Many modern RO systems come with mineral cartridges that reintroduce essential minerals post-purification. The World Health Organization (WHO) discusses the significance of minerals in drinking water.

Myth 2: Drinking RO Water Leads to Mineral Deficiencies

Fact: While RO water may have reduced mineral content, our primary source of minerals is the food we eat, not water. A balanced diet typically compensates for any mineral reduction in RO purified water. The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) provides insights into mineral intake and sources.

Myth 3: RO Water is Acidic and Harmful

Fact: The purification process can lower the pH of RO water, making it slightly acidic. However, this slight acidity is generally not harmful to health. Many beverages, like coffee and colas, are more acidic than RO water. If pH balance is a concern, there are RO systems with alkaline filters to balance the pH.

Myth 4: RO Systems Make Water Completely Sterile

Fact: While RO systems remove a significant amount of contaminants, they might not remove all microbial contaminants. This is why many RO systems are equipped with UV (Ultraviolet) chambers to ensure complete disinfection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) discusses various water treatment methods and their efficacy.

Conclusion

RO systems have revolutionized water purification, providing safe drinking water to millions. While they have their limitations, many concerns about RO purified water are based on myths. It’s essential to be informed and choose an RO system that addresses specific water quality issues while ensuring the health benefits of purified water. As with any health-related decision, consulting with professionals and relying on credible sources of information is always a good approach.