eli5: Is there such a concept as adding essential vitamins and minerals to potable water? If so, does it happen in a large scale anywhere in the world?
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Fluoride is added to municipal water in some countries (namely the USA) to help prevent tooth decay. I haven’t heard of other minerals being added to water on a large scale.
You can buy bottled water, either naturally rich in minerals (mineral spring water) or fortified, such as vitamin water. There isn’t all that much scientific evidence supporting that these types of water have real benefit, so there isn’t justification to do it beyond marketing hype.
One thing that comes close is sports drinks (Gatorade, etc.), which are basically water loaded with a bunch of minerals, salt, and other electrolytes which can help you when you are dehydrated. Because all this would add an unpleasant taste, they also add sugar and sweeteners to cover up the mineral and salt tastes. Pedialyte is probably about the same thing, without as much flavoring or sugar.
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