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Vitamin water: Better than plain water?

Is vitamin water a healthier choice than plain water?

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Mayo Clinic dietitian Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D., and colleagues answer select questions from readers.

Answer

Vitamin water is fortified with various vitamins and other additives, including a sweetener that adds calories to the drink. If you're eating a balanced diet or taking a multivitamin, you won't likely benefit from drinking vitamin water. If you're trying to lose weight, the calories in vitamin water will only work against you. And if you have heart or kidney disease, the potassium in some types of vitamin water may be a concern. Too much potassium can interrupt your heart or kidney function. Remember, fruits, vegetables and other whole foods are the best sources of vitamins and minerals. Of course, water is important, too. If you don't care for plain water, try sparkling water or a squirt of lemon or cranberry juice in your water.

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Oct 11, 2008