Fact check: Is it true that distilled water is poisonous?

1. Summary of the results

The scientific consensus clearly shows that distilled water is not poisonous ^{[1] [2] [3] [4]}. While there are some nuances to consider, all sources agree that distilled water can be safely consumed as part of a balanced diet. The water undergoes a purification process through boiling and condensation, though it may retain some volatile organic compounds ^[4].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

Several important contextual points need to be considered:

• Distilled water lacks minerals that are present in regular drinking water ^[1]
• Long-term exclusive consumption could potentially lead to mineral deficiencies ^[2]
• There is a theoretical risk related to how pure water interacts with cells, but this is neutralized in practice as the water becomes "impure" upon contact with minerals in the mouth and stomach ^[5]
• Proper storage is important for maintaining water quality ^[4]

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The claim about distilled water being poisonous appears to stem from several misunderstandings:

• There may be confusion between long-term mineral deficiency risks and actual poisoning ^[2]
• The theoretical risk of cell damage from pure water has been misinterpreted, as this risk doesn't manifest in real-world consumption scenarios ^[5]
• Commercial interests might benefit from promoting this misconception:

Companies selling mineral water or water filters could benefit from fears about distilled water

Health supplement companies could use these fears to promote mineral supplements

The scientific evidence shows that while distilled water shouldn't be your exclusive source of hydration, it is perfectly safe as part of a balanced diet ^{[1] [2] [3]}.