Do 'wonder waters' work?

A growing number of so-called 'super waters' claim to increase lifespan, protect the heart and combat everything from arthritis to eczema. But what's the evidence, and how do they work?

The athletic water
Penta (£1.40 for 500ml)

The manufacturers claim it will increase hydration and cell survival, while boosting athletic performance.

Does it work?

The claims aren't as far-fetched as they sound. Studies have found that water molecules can form large clusters, which are difficult to absorb. Penta water is filtered in a process called reverse osmosis, which reduces the size of these clusters.

Californian researchers found Penta water was absorbed 14.3 per cent faster than tap water and in trials at the Department of Health and Human Performance in St Paul, Minnesota, it increased athletic performance by 15 per cent.

The Arthritus water
Deeside mineral water (99p for two litres)

Flowing from Pannanich Wells, a spring near Balmoral, Deeside Mineral Water has long been famed for its healing powers, supposedly helping to treat rheumatism, skin conditions and stomach complaints.

Does it work?

Two double-blind clinical studies suggest that this water can reduce painful symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. The first study, published in the British Journal of Rheumatology, found inflammation subsided noticeably in rheumatoid arthritis patients who drank the water. This finding was repeated in the second trial, led by Dr David Galloway at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. It is believed that the water's secret lies in the wide range of minerals, including calcium and magnesium, it contains.

Patrick Holford, nutritionist, author and founder of the Institute for Optimum Nutrition, says: "Aside from strengthening bones, calcium and magnesium are alkaline, so help to reduce acidity in the blood, one of the contributing factors for arthritis and irritable skin conditions."

The Eczema Water
Lakeland Willow Springwater(£1.29 for 1.5 litres)

From a Lake District underground source fed over hundreds of years by rainwater filtering through white willow sediment. It contains 78mg of calcium per litre, 11.2mg of magnesium and trace levels of salicin.

Does it work?

The water was used by local monks for its healing properties. More recently, hundreds of cases have been documented of people who say the water has improved their rheumatism and skin conditions.

Minerals in the water may help clear the skin. Salicin was the original source of aspirin and has an anti-inflammatory effect. Clinical trials at British universities are being set up this year.

The youth water
Fiji Water (£1.95 per litre)

This water contains 85mg of silica per litre - the mineral needed for connective tissue such as the skin, hair and bones. The average adult needs around 20-30mg a day.

Does it work?

No trials have been conducted, but research has confirmed that silica helps repair all tissues, maintain tissue elasticity and reduce the risk of heart disease. Available from health food shops.

The Bone Water
Alps20 (89p per litre)

Sourced from the northern flanks of the Swiss Alps, this water has the highest mineral content: 510g of calcium per litre and 117mg of magnesium.

Does it work?

Research reported in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association found that people who drink mineral water regularly have a higher bone density than those who don't. As two litres of Alps20 would give you more than your recommended daily allowance of calcium and 80 per cent of your RDA of magnesium, it should be particularly good at keeping bones strong.

The Hangover Water
Vichy (90p per litre)

Pushing up through rock to springs near Allier in central France, Vichy contains calcium and magnesium but is especially rich in potassium, containing 71mg in every litre. However, this water is also high in sodium, containing 1265mg per litre, so if you have high blood pressure, you may want to limit your intake.

Does it work?

Some nutritionists believe it can be very effective. Apart from dehydration, the pounding headaches and fatigue of hangovers are largely caused by mineral loss, most significantly that of potassium.