"Sacred Zamzam Water: Metallic Profile and Health Benefits"

Abstract

Background and Aim: Zamzam water plays a central role in the Muslim religious tradition. It has been used for over 5000 years according to Hijri calendar. Many Muslims drink Zamzam water for use either medicinally or religiously. Its safety is a public health issue, as it is consumed by thousands of Muslims. It is considered as miraculous and holy water by Muslims. Millions of pilgrims drink it and take bottles of it to their countries. The objective of this study was to draw up the mineral, metallic profile, and health benefits of Zamzam water.Material and Methods: Samples were collected via different Zamzam taps which are distributed in the Masjid Al Haram in Mecca in Saudi Arabia. Multi-elemental analysis was done by Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) and nutrient analysis by HACH spectrophotometer. The physicochemical parameters were determined such as pH, salinity, TDS, conductivity, nitrate, nitrite, sulphate, phosphorous, total hardness, chloride, and heavy metal concentration. The results were assessed statistically and compared with the international standards.Results and Discussion: Zamzam water has a rich mineral composition. It has Magnesium (11±0.05 mg/L), Calcium (19.802±0.09 mg/L), Sodium (68.001±0.06 mg/L), Potassium (33.489±0.02 mg/L). Heavy metals like Lead, zinc, nickel, manganese, copper was not detected. Despite its complex metallic composition, nutrients like nitrate (15.8±0.2 mg/L), sulphate (64±0.5 mg/L), phosphorous (0.02 mg/L) were also detected. Experimental studies indicate that Zamzam water is safe and healthy to drink and does not induce hepatotoxicity or nephrotoxicity, according to the literature. Conclusion:Minerals and metallic properties of Zamzam water give it interesting therapeutic benefits which are not fully known to date. More careful studies on Zamzam water are required to lift the veil on other potential health benefit effects of this water. In conclusion the results of the present study indicated that Zamzam water is an alkaline mineral water, unpolluted by heavy metals and is safe for consumption.