Reverse osmosis technology, with its positioning as a “deep purification” method, has become immensely popular in the global drinking water equipment market. And it has become the preferred water purification solution for many households and institutions. What does “deep purification” mean? It relies on pressure to drive water molecules through a semipermeable membrane, trapping various impurities, and can efficiently remove heavy metals, pathogenic bacteria, trace pollutants, and other harmful substances from water.
However, in its originating regions of Europe and the United States, the controversy surrounding the effects of reverse osmosis health has never subsided. And more and more research is focusing on the potential health risks of “over-purification.”

Disagreements regarding the effects of reverse osmosis health

The core advantage of ro technology lies in its purification efficiency. Data shows that high-quality RO systems can achieve a removal rate of over 99.9% for particulate matter, heavy metals, viruses, and trace organic pollutants in water. In areas where water sources are contaminated due to industrial pollution and agricultural wastewater runoff. RO technology can directly prevent harmful substances from entering the human body.

Research by the American Membrane Technology Association has confirmed that RO water can effectively reduce the intake of carcinogenic substances such as lead and arsenic, providing positive protective effects on children’s nervous system development and adult cardiovascular health.

Minerals in RO water

However, there are significant disagreements within the European and American academic communities regarding the effects of long-term consumption of reverse osmosis health. A research team at the Free University of Berlin in Germany pointed out that the calcium, magnesium, and other minerals present in natural drinking water, when in ionic form, have an absorption rate of 50% to 70% in the human body, which is far higher than the efficiency of supplementation through food. RO technology, while filtering out impurities, also removes these beneficial minerals. Therefore, long-term consumption may lead to mineral deficiencies, especially in people with a limited diet, significantly increasing the risk of problems such as osteoporosis and neuromuscular dysfunction.

pH characteristics of RO water

Besides the issue of mineral intake, the pH characteristics of RO water have also raised concerns. Several studies in Europe and the United States have found that water treated with reverse osmosis technology is often slightly acidic, and long-term consumption may have potential effects on the body’s acid-base balance. A follow-up study by the U.S. National Institutes of Health showed that long-term consumption of RO water with a pH below 6.0 may slightly increase the risk of discomfort in people with sensitive digestive systems. And the impact on people older than 70 and those with weakened immune systems requires particular attention. However, this view has not yet reached a consensus. Some studies suggest that the body’s own acid-base regulatory system can counteract this effect, and the controversy centers on extreme consumption scenarios and individual differences.

How can we address issues associated with reverse osmosis health?

To balance water purification effectiveness with health and safety, we are exploring improved solutions to address the shortcomings of traditional reverse osmosis systems. Research institutions suggest supplementing RO water with minerals or replacing traditional RO with nanofiltration technology to retain beneficial minerals.
Experts from the Indiana University School of Public Health used a vivid analogy to explain this issue: “We can analyze all the nutrients in an apple, but we cannot artificially replicate a natural apple.” This highlights the inherent complexity of the nutrient balance in natural water sources. For ordinary consumers using RO water purification equipment, it is recommended to supplement minerals through a balanced diet and strictly follow the equipment disinfection procedures, regularly replacing filter cartridges to mitigate risks.

The benefits of reverse osmosis health technology depend fundamentally on how RO equipment is used.
In areas with severe water pollution, it is a reliable means of ensuring safe drinking water. However, in areas with high-quality water sources, over-reliance on RO technology can be counterproductive.
In the future, with the continuous advancement of membrane technology and the ongoing evolution of health concepts, water purification solutions that balance safety, nutritional value, and sustainability will undoubtedly become the mainstream trend in the global drinking water sector.