All the Power of Water at a Glance

Water contains many essential minerals and trace elements, which our body must be supplied with. The most important include calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, sodium and chloride. However, the following applies: Drinking water is insufficient to cover our body's mineral requirements. It is also important to eat a healthy diet.

Berlin's drinking water contains the following important minerals and trace elements:

As of 2015	Indicated in mg/l	Threshold value in mg/l	Recommended daily allowance in mg
calcium	110	-	800
iron	< 0.03	0.2	14
potassium	5	-	2.000
magnesium	10,4	-	375
sodium	37	200	-
chloride	54	250	800
bicarbonate	250,44	-	-
sulfate	109	250	-

Did you know...?

Calcium is important for healthy, strong bones and teeth
Iron promotes metabolism and supports haematopoiesis
Potassium boots the heart an muscles
Chloride and Sodium regulate the acid-base balance of the body

Iron: for blood formation and energy metabolism

Iron is the most common trace element in the human body (4 grams). More than two thirds of the iron in the body is used to form the red blood pigment haemoglobin. Iron is responsible for both the blood formation and the transport and storage of oxygen. A balanced amount of iron stimulates the entire metabolism. A lack of iron can lead to fatigue or anaemia.

Iron is supplied by: large amounts of iron are found in animal liver, kidneys, legumes, wild garlic and spinach.

Potassium: for heart and muscles

Potassium is an important mineral which is mostly found in the cells of the body, where it regulates the fluid content. It also controls the muscle activity. A lack of potassium can lead to overall exhaustion, muscle cramps or cardiac arrhythmia.

Potassium is supplied by: potassium is especially found in dried fruit, fresh bananas, kiwis or mushrooms.

Chloride: for the gastric juices

Sodium and chloride are responsible for the balanced distribution of liquids within our body, among other things. As a component of our gastric juices, the mineral maintains the acid-base balance of the body. A lack of chloride can lead to muscle cramps or impaired heart function.

The daily dosage should not exceed 6 grams of sodium chloride (table salt). One gram of salt contains 0.6 grams of chloride.

Calcium: for teeth and bones

Calcium is considered to be the most important mineral in the human body. The human body contains up to 1.5 kilograms of calcium - mostly in our bones and teeth. Calcium is required for the bone metabolism, for the nerves and muscles, for blood clotting and the transmission of hormonal signals. Furthermore, it regulates the activity of various enzymes and has anti-inflammatory and antiallergic properties. A lack of calcium can lead to muscle cramps and osteoporosis.

Calcium is supplied by: calcium is found in milk and dairy products such as cheese and yoghurt.

Magnesium: for muscles and nerves

Magnesium is the second most common mineral in our body. Magnesium activates a large number of enzymes, which initiate various chemical reactions. It plays an important role in muscle and nerve cell functions, which makes it important for the heart and circulatory system. A lack of magnesium can lead to irritability, lack of concentration, muscle cramps or cardiac arrhythmia.

Magnesium is supplied by: whole-grain bread, nuts and bananas contain especially high amounts of magnesium.

Sodium: for the acid-base balance

Sodium and chloride regulate the water and acid-base balance in the human body. In combination with potassium, the mineral regulates our fluid balance and is important for the nerve and muscle functions. A lack of sodium in the body can lead to a low blood pressure, dizziness or disorientation.

The daily dosage should not exceed 6 grams of sodium chloride (table salt). One gram of salt contains 0.4 grams of chloride.