Should You Drink Distilled Water?
Distilled water is safe for hydration but is not the optimal choice as your primary water source because it lacks beneficial minerals (calcium, magnesium, fluoride) that contribute to cardiovascular health, bone density, and dental health. 1
Why Distilled Water Is Not Ideal
While distilled water will hydrate you effectively, it provides no nutritional value beyond pure fluid replacement. 1
Missing Essential Minerals
Tap water contributes 8-16% of the RDA for calcium and 6-31% of the RDA for magnesium when consuming 2 liters daily from municipal sources in major U.S. cities. 1
Fluoride in drinking water prevents dental caries, with approximately 74% of the U.S. population receiving adequately fluoridated water. Most bottled waters (including distilled water) contain suboptimal fluoride concentrations. 1
Calcium and magnesium in water have cardiovascular benefits. A meta-analysis of 44,000 adults showed protective effects against cardiovascular disease from these minerals in drinking water. 1
Risk of Mineral Depletion
Low mineral water can leach minerals from the body, potentially contributing to demineralization of bones and teeth over time, increasing risks of osteoporosis and dental caries. 2
Reverse osmosis and distillation remove 92-99% of beneficial minerals including calcium, magnesium, fluoride, and iron—all essential for bone and dental health. 2
What You Should Drink Instead
Water should be your primary beverage for hydration, but the type matters for long-term health. 1, 3
Recommended Water Sources
Tap water from municipal sources provides hydration plus beneficial minerals without added calories. 1
Natural mineral waters offer documented health benefits through their mineral content, particularly calcium, magnesium, and trace elements with good bioavailability comparable to milk. 4, 5, 6
Any hydrating beverage according to preference is acceptable—including tea, coffee, milk, fruit juices, and even beer/lager up to 4% alcohol content—as research shows these hydrate similarly to plain water. 1
Daily Water Requirements
Women need approximately 2.7 L (91 oz) total water daily; men need 3.7 L (125 oz) from all sources including beverages and food. 1, 3
From beverages specifically: women should consume at least 1.6 L/day and men at least 2.0 L/day. 3
Use thirst as your guide if you're a healthy adult, though older adults should not rely solely on thirst and need structured fluid intake. 1, 3
Clinical Caveats
Heart failure and renal failure patients may require fluid restriction—distilled water offers no advantage in these conditions. 1, 3
Increased needs occur with fever, diarrhea, vomiting, heat exposure, or physical activity—any water source is appropriate for replacement. 1, 3
Kidney stone formers should produce at least 2 L of urine daily, which may be easier to achieve with mineral-containing water that provides electrolytes. 3
Bottom Line
Choose tap water or natural mineral water over distilled water for your primary hydration source to gain the health benefits of naturally occurring minerals while meeting your fluid needs. 1, 4 Reserve distilled water for specific applications (like CPAP machines or steam irons) rather than routine drinking.