The Role of Water in Health Outcomes

The Role of Water in Health Outcomes

Tap water, bottled water, or vitamin fortified water–which is healthiest? The body needs water, vitamins, and minerals. But is combining them all into “power” drinks and fortified water the best way for the body to intake nutrients? Trends in information about the best way to drink water include health claims about filters, adding nutrients and vitamins to water, and even adding flavor to encourage consumption.

In this Discussion, you will evaluate if any of these additions make water healthier or better for your body.

To prepare for this Discussion:

• Review Chapters 6, 7, and 8 from the course text: Nutrition for Life.
• Review the article “Water—How Much Should You Drink Every Day?”
• Think about what you have read about why we need water. What are some of the roles water plays in the human body? What is the Daily Recommended Intake for water consumption? How do age, activity level, and health affect water requirements? Reflect on how the body responds if it does not get enough water, vitamins, or minerals.
• Consider nutritional and health claims of water products with added vitamins and minerals. Do you have experience using these products?
• Research water products on the market:
  • Find a product that is a “fortified water”—that is, water with added vitamins and minerals. You can find this item at the grocery store or look online for product labels available through company websites.
  • Summarize the % RDAs found for the vitamins and minerals added to the product.
    • Are there any vitamin or mineral levels over 100%? If so, identify those vitamins or minerals and provide information on the possible consequences of over-consumption of those vitamins or minerals. Take serving size into consideration.
    • If there are no values over 100% in your product, do you think this is positive or negative?
  • Do you think “fortified water” is a good way to meet the RDA for vitamins and minerals while also getting enough water?
  • Identify methods for increasing water consumption.

With these thoughts in mind:

a 2- to 3-paragraph statement analyzing the water product you chose. Summarize the RDAs and whether its vitamin and mineral content can affect health. Be sure to discuss the role of fortified water products in increasing water consumption.

Be sure to support your ideas by connecting them to the week’s Resources, or something you have read, heard, seen, or experienced. Use at least two APA-formatted references for full credit.Answer