Is Too Much Vitamin Water Bad for You?

Vitamin water -- flavored water that contains added vitamins -- seems like the perfect way to get the fluids you need. However, despite their healthy-sounding name, vitamin water comes loaded with added sugar. You can consume it as an occasional treat, but don't expect it to contribute to the nutritional value of your diet.

About Vitamin Water

Vitamin water is sold in a variety of exotic fruit flavors such as dragonfruit, tropical citrus, well as classics, such as lemonade and orange flavors. Several manufacturers of vitamin water include combinations of various essential vitamins and minerals, and even caffeine, in its products that claim to enhance the water's health benefits such as the ability to fight stress, help you focus or give you more energy. An August 2010 article in the "Huffington Post" critically describes the vitamin waters as sugar-water with a "penny's worth of synthetic vitamins" added into the mix.

Concerns

Vitamin Water Health Facts

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Too much vitamin water can be bad for your weight. It's the added sugar calories that add up, says the Center for Science in the Public Interest. For example, one brand of orange-flavored vitamin water contains 50 calories per serving; however, it's important to note that a serving size is only 1 cup -- many bottles contain two and a half servings. If you drink the whole bottle, you'll consume 125 calories, slightly less than you would if you drank a 12-ounce soft drink, which has 150 calories. Many types of vitamin water contain added sugar -- which contributes to their calorie count -- which means they don't have a regular place in a healthy diet.

Other Information

Some food manufacturers also offer low- or no-calorie versions of sweetened vitamin water. However, they still pale in comparison to whole foods -- such as fruits, veggies, low-fat dairy and lean proteins -- as sources of essential nutrients. If you eat healthfully, you don't need a nutrient-enhanced drink that may only contribute calories to your diet.

Better Beverages

Is Fruit-Flavored Water Good for You?

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Vitamin water can get expensive, if you drink it regularly in place of regular water. The Harvard School of Public Health suggests less costly options, if you're watching your weight, starting with plain water. Squeeze a little lemon or lime in your water, if you want added flavor, or drink cold unsweetened tea. You can make your own slightly-sweetened beverage by adding a splash of 100 percent fruit juice to regular water or unsweetened carbonated water.