The science of saline – why can we drink pure water, but when we put water into our bodies in other ways, like an IV, must we add minerals to it?

Question

The science of saline – why can we drink pure water, but when we put water into our bodies in other ways, like an IV, must we add minerals to it?

In: 480

Answer 1

Actually pure water as in H2O is not the most suitable for drinking as it lacks minerals which are required to help maintain homeostasis. Pure water as the question implies would overtime takes minerals such as calcium out of your blood and eventually your bones leading to wakened bones. Sodium and potassium also plays a significant role in homeostasis which is why some bottled waters are supplemented with minerals. If as in pure water you meant treated to kill microbes then that’s a different issue and does not necessarily impact the salt and mineral balance of your blood the way pure water as in distilled water would.