Overview
- A May 2026 market check by Verbraucherzentrale Sachsen‑Anhalt of 35 vitamin waters found 12 single bottles delivered more than the recommended daily intake for at least one vitamin.
- Many products contain nutritionally relevant sugar levels so a single bottle can supply a large share of the World Health Organization's roughly 50 g daily limit.
- Fat‑soluble vitamins such as D and E are unlikely to be taken up from plain water because the body needs dietary fat for absorption, and excess water‑soluble vitamins like B and C are typically excreted in urine.
- Clear plastic packaging can let light degrade sensitive B‑vitamins so actual vitamin content may be lower than the label states, and plant extracts on ingredient lists usually appear only in trace amounts.
- Experts advise drinking water or tea and eating a varied diet, checking ingredient and sugar labels, using targeted supplements only for diagnosed deficiencies, and making flavored water at home as a cheaper option.