„Spring water” or „mineral water”? Spring water for babies
Anna Schmidt
2026-03-25
3 min. read
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Water is a natural liquid that is essential for human life. It contains no calories and no sugar, but can be rich in mineral ingredients. Many people divide bottled water into only gaseous or non-gaseous. However, in reality, it's a little different. Waters vary in origin and content. Some of them are labeled as spring and others as mineral. So, is there any fundamental difference between them?
This spring water originates directly from a natural spring and is distinguished by its purity
Spring water is considered one of the most valuable types of water for body hydration. It is exclusively sourced from natural springs and must meet strict hygienic standards. The mineral content does not exceed 1000 mg per liter. It is suitable for daily consumption, including for children and the elderly. Examples include Kropla Beskidu, Żywiec Zdrój, and Nestle Aquarel.
Natural mineral water
Natural mineral water is distinguished by the requirement of containing at least 1000 milligrams of mineral components per liter. It is extracted from deep water sources. It features a consistent level and relatively stable proportions of minerals and trace elements at the extraction site, which is why certain brands of mineral water may exhibit a distinct taste due to the varying composition of constituents from their unique sources.
Which is better: spring water or mineral water?
As highlighted earlier, the key distinction between these two types of water lies in their mineral composition. Nevertheless, it is not possible to definitively determine which is the best option for drinking. Both highly mineralized and low-mineralized waters offer benefits. Spring water is an ideal choice for brewing coffee, tea, and cooking, as well as for daily consumption by seniors and children. It can be consumed by anyone, regardless of age or health status. However, mineral water should be selected in different scenarios, such as during intense physical exertion, in hot climates, or when a diet rich in magnesium and calcium is required.
Water for infants – a crucial component of nutrition
Infants require significantly more water per kilogram of body weight than adults – up to four times as much. Their daily requirement is 10 – 15% of their body weight, compared to just 2 – 4% for adults. Exclusively breastfed babies do not need additional water, this requirement only arises after the introduction of solid foods. For infants, low-mineral water is recommended due to their underdeveloped excretory system, particularly the kidneys. When selecting water, factors such as health status, age, physical activity, and climate should be considered. Regardless of the type of water chosen, it is essential to ensure the infant receives sufficient hydration in their daily diet.