- With Mayo Clinic nutritionist
Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D.
Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D.
As a specialty editor for the nutrition and healthy eating guide, Katherine Zeratsky helps you sort through the facts and figures, the fads and the hype to learn more about nutrition and diet.
A Marinette, Wis., native, Katherine is certified in dietetics by the state of Minnesota and the American Dietetic Association. She has been with Mayo Clinic since 1999.
She is active in nutrition-related curriculum and course development in wellness nutrition at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., and nutrition education related to weight management and practical applications of nutrition-related lifestyle changes.
Other areas of interest include food and nutrition for all life stages, active lifestyles and the culinary arts.
She graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, served a dietetic internship at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, and worked as a registered dietitian and health risk counselor at ThedaCare of Appleton, Wis., before joining the Mayo Clinic staff.
Nutrition basics (31)
- Phenylalanine in diet soda: Is it harmful?
- Diet soda: Is it bad for you?
- Stevia: Can it help with weight control?
- see all in Nutrition basics
Healthy diets (10)
- Canola oil: Does it contain toxins?
- Butter vs. margarine: Which is better for my heart?
- Detox diets: Do they work?
- see all in Healthy diets
Healthy cooking (7)
- When the heat is on, which oil should you use?
- Moldy cheese: Is it OK to eat?
- Food poisoning: How long can you safely keep leftovers?
- see all in Healthy cooking
Healthy menus and shopping strategies (8)
- Calories in sushi: What are the low-cal options?
- White whole-wheat bread: Is it nutritious?
- Sodium nitrate in meat: Heart disease risk factor?
- see all in Healthy menus and shopping strategies
Nutritional supplements (18)
- What is wheatgrass — And why is it in my drink?
- Do the benefits of vitamin C include improved mood?
- Prenatal vitamins: OK for women who aren't pregnant?
- see all in Nutritional supplements
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Question
Vitamin water: Better than plain water?
Is vitamin water a healthier choice than plain water?
Answer
from Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D.
If you're eating a balanced diet, you won't likely benefit from drinking vitamin water, which is water that's been fortified with nutrients, such as vitamins and electrolytes. Some types of vitamin water also have flavorings, caffeine and sweeteners. As always, it's important to check the label for ingredients. And check the calorie count while you're at it.
Remember, fruits, vegetables and other whole foods are the best sources of vitamins and minerals. And it's tough to beat plain water as a healthy, no-calorie drink. If you don't care for plain water, try sparkling water or a squirt of lemon or cranberry juice in your water.
Next questionVitamin D toxicity: What if you get too much?
- FDA regulates the safety of bottled water beverages include flavored water and nutrient-added water. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.fda.gov/Food/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/ucm046894.htm. Accessed Jan. 9, 2012.
- Functional beverages. American Dietetic Association. http://www.eatright.org/About/Content.aspx?id=7519&terms=functional+beverages. Accessed Jan. 9, 2012.
- USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Release 24. U.S. Department of Agriculture. http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/search. Accessed Jan. 9, 2012.
- Zeratsky KA (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Jan. 9, 2012.
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