Is atap water suitable for the preparation of infant formula?

Overview

Here the author attempts to answer a question frequently asked by the public:
when preparing infant formula, can tap water be used or do we need to use bottled water marketed for infants? If the water in question meets the drinking water standards for all indicators, it is safe for infants as well, since, for instance, the current limit for nitrates in drinking water (50 mg/l) was set up with respect to the prevention of infant methemoglobinemia. If the consumer is in any doubt as to the stability of microbiological quality of the water supply, the water should be boiled shortly to make sure it is safe. Nevertheless, in some instances, although meeting the regulatory safety requirements, the water may appear less suitable for infants because it contains higher amounts of some naturally present minerals (total dissolved solids, sodium, sulphates, fluorides, magnesium, etc.). The recommended content of particular minerals in drinking water intended for infant consumption is outlined in the article.

Key words:
drinking water, infant formula, minerals, bottled water.