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Small-Scale Question Sunday for July 26, 2026

Do you have a dumb question that you're kind of embarrassed to ask in the main thread? Is there something you're just not sure about?

This is your opportunity to ask questions. No question too simple or too silly.

Culture war topics are accepted, and proposals for a better intro post are appreciated.

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Can anyone comment on the dangers of drinking low total dissolved solids (TDS) reverse osmosis water on general health, especially with a baby in the home? I recently installed a reverse osmosis filter and then discovered that low TDS water can potentially be dangerous because of a lack of minerals like calcium, magnesium, and phosphate. My RO filter doesn't have a remineralization add-on.

One reverse osmosis study from India

Assume that me and my baby otherwise have the very best foods and baby formula available. Some random reddit comments indicate that eating a high quality diet filled with meats, fish, and vegetables accounts for 97% of mineral intake, so there's no need to worry. Or is there? Is reverse osmosis water unusually leeching of minerals in some way?

I'm not that worried for myself because I add in keto salts for my water while fasting, so my water is already remineralized. But is it bad for a growing child? I'm not feeding my family the typical SAD diet, they get the best home cooked meals made with fresh groceries that we can afford.

Im not a doctor and you are probably better off asking an AI. But I do know that the problem with distilled water is the leeching of minerals. It's not that water is supposed to provide a bunch of minerals, it doesn't.

The water that goes into you will balance with the water in your system. Which is why drinking salt water can dehydrate you. Or why Gatorade was designed to be an effective sports drink, it's supposed to mimic the balance of water in your body, to prevent the leeching of minerals or water to balance out what is being added.

If you are in the US tap water is safe and fine.

But I do know that the problem with distilled water is the leeching of minerals.

Which doesn't even happen in the first place.