Why is mineral content in drinking water becoming a key differentiator in China's bottled water market?

Why is mineral content in drinking water becoming a key differentiator in China's bottled water market?
Chinese dietary surveys consistently show calcium and magnesium intake falls far below recommended levels—adults average around 364 mg of calcium daily versus the 800 mg guideline. This nutritional gap is driving a shift in consumer perception: minerals in water are no longer seen as mere 'scale' but as a bioavailable supplement source. Studies cited indicate drinking water can contribute 10-20% of daily mineral requirements, with ionic forms absorbed more efficiently than those locked in food matrices. Consequently, natural water and mineral water brands are gaining preference over purified water, which removes beneficial minerals. This is reshaping product positioning, with emphasis on source provenance and mineral profiles rather than just purity.