Introduction to Deuterium-Depleted Water
Guests at the Row’s Paris fashion week event were served more than just sleek silhouettes. Instead of their usual post-show snacks, attendees said founders Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen quenched their thirst with bottles of water — but this wasn’t your everyday H2O. Priced at a staggering $225 per pack, the “deuterium-depleted” Litewater is marketed as a miracle beverage that can do everything from sharpen the mind to fight disease. Attendees of the Row’s fall 2025 show were served bottles of Litewater at the event.
What is Deuterium-Depleted Water?
Deuterium is a stable isotope of hydrogen — basically, a heavier version of the hydrogen atom, thanks to an extra neutron in its nucleus. It naturally exists in water, but high-end brands like Litewater use a special filtration process to strip much of it out, creating what’s known as deuterium-depleted water, or DDW. Litewater contains a lower concentration of deuterium than is found naturally in water. When you drink DDW, it slowly swaps out regular water in your body for water with less deuterium. Over time, the “heavier” water is flushed out, lowering deuterium levels in your tissues and cells. Supporters say this shift unlocks a range of health benefits — but not everyone in the scientific community is sold on the idea.
Supposed Benefits of Deuterium-Depleted Water
According to Litewater, when deuterium levels in the body get too high, your cells’ ability to filter out these so-called “heavy hydrogens” becomes compromised. Over time, this buildup can allegedly disrupt cellular metabolism and mitochondrial function — leading to fatigue, accelerated aging and a higher risk of chronic disease and cancer. By reducing deuterium through DDW, Litewater claims you can boost energy, improve cognition, optimize mitochondrial function and support healthier aging from the inside out. “With every drop I drink of deuterium-depleted water I get lighter and more vibrant,” wellness consultant and Litewater partner Tracy Duhs wrote on Instagram. “My cells are more optimized. I’m practically floating away.” Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen have yet to comment on Litewater’s benefits.
Is Deuterium-Depleted Water Worth the Money?
To reap the benefits Litewater promises, the company recommends drinking two or more cases per month — which would cost you around $400, at minimum. They sell four-packs of 1-liter bottles for $400, 10-packs of 2-liter bottles for $180, and 12-packs of ½-liter bottles for $225. “Even if I were incredibly wealthy and price did not matter to me, I would still not purchase this water for myself or my loved ones,” Dr. Nate Wood, a primary care physician, said. “It’s a ‘wellness’ hoax. Don’t fall for it!” Most studies on deuterium intake, he explained, have been conducted on animals or cells in a lab. “In the studies that have been done in humans, no lasting negative impacts have been observed,” Wood added.
The Most Expensive Water Money Can Buy
Despite its sky-high price and questionable health claims, Litewater isn’t even the most expensive bottled water on the market. Acqua di Cristallo Tributo a Modigliani holds the crown, with a single 750ml bottle selling for $60,000 at a 2010 auction. Its bottle is coated in 24-karat gold, and the water inside is a blend of natural spring water from Fiji and France as well as Iceland’s glaciers. Svalbarði from Norway calls its product “fine water,” boasting: “With no nitrates or pollutants the ultra low-minerality makes for a light mouthfeel, with a slight bite and sweetness. Svalbarði is an experience for the palate, much like a fine wine.” One bottle will set you back €99.95 ($116.79) — while a special collector’s edition bottle will set you back €6,000 ($7011.18). Kona Nigari Water also boasts a high price tag, going for $402 per 750ml bottle. Sourced from deep ocean currents near the coast of Hawaii, it’s said to hydrate twice as fast as spring water or sports drinks.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Litewater may be marketed as the “purest” water in the world, its health claims are not backed by scientific evidence. The high price tag and lack of proven benefits make it a questionable purchase for those looking to improve their health. As Dr. Wood stated, “There is no proven benefit to drinking deuterium-depleted water.” It is essential to approach such products with a critical eye and consult with healthcare professionals before making any significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.
FAQs
Q: What is deuterium-depleted water?
A: Deuterium-depleted water is water that has been filtered to remove a significant amount of deuterium, a stable isotope of hydrogen.
Q: What are the supposed benefits of deuterium-depleted water?
A: The supposed benefits of deuterium-depleted water include improved energy, cognition, and mitochondrial function, as well as support for healthier aging.
Q: Is deuterium-depleted water worth the money?
A: No, according to Dr. Nate Wood, there is no proven benefit to drinking deuterium-depleted water, and the high price tag makes it a questionable purchase.
Q: What is the most expensive water money can buy?
A: The most expensive water money can buy is Acqua di Cristallo Tributo a Modigliani, with a single 750ml bottle selling for $60,000 at a 2010 auction.
Q: Are there other expensive bottled waters on the market?
A: Yes, other expensive bottled waters include Svalbarði from Norway, Kona Nigari Water, and Ophora Hyper Oxygenated Water, among others.
