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Overview: Willard water is a form of water that is used for a variety of reasons, including as a general health tonic and to improve nutrient absorption, but its effects are not well defined. There is limited information about side effects. Before taking Willard water, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.

Uses

What is Willard water used for?

Willard water is marketed for numerous health conditions, although the benefits are not well defined, and there is no evidence in humans supporting most uses. Some common reasons for using Willard water include the following.

  • General health and wellness as a tonic
  • Improved nutrient absorption
  • Digestive concerns
  • Skin conditions, when applied to the skin
  • Antioxidant effects
  • As a “detox” product
  • Various other health conditions

Note: The FDA has not reviewed Willard water for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.

How does Willard water work (mechanism of action)?

Willard water is regular water that has been processed using a patented method to create what manufacturers call “catalyst altered water” or CAW. The process is claimed to change the molecular structure of water, though the scientific basis for these claims is not well established. The formula may include a mix of ingredients such as sodium metasilicate, sulfated castor oil, calcium chloride, magnesium sulfate, and lignite.

Manufacturers may state that this altered water can enhance the body’s ability to absorb nutrients and improve cellular function. However, the benefits of Willard water are not well defined, and there is no evidence in humans supporting these proposed uses.

The exact composition and concentration of active ingredients in Willard water products may vary between manufacturers and formulations.

How should I store Willard water?

You should store Willard water according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Willard water?

There is not enough research to know what the common side effects of Willard water may be. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.

There may be side effects of Willard water that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Willard water?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Willard water are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Willard water may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Willard water and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Willard water?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Willard water.

  • Catalyst altered water
  • CAW
  • Willard water
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific Willard water products they stock.

What should I know about Willard water before using it?

Willard water is a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.

There is very limited scientific research on Willard water. Most health claims about this product are not supported by scientific evidence.

Willard water is available as a liquid and may also be sold as a concentrate that must be diluted before use. Read and follow product label instructions carefully for proper dilution and dosing, or use it as recommended by your health care provider.

If you have any known allergies or sensitivities, check the product label carefully, as formulations may vary between manufacturers.

Willard water is also available as a product that is applied to the skin. If you are using Willard water on the skin, test on a small area of skin first to check for allergic reactions.

Like all water-based products, Willard water could become contaminated with bacteria or other harmful substances if not properly manufactured or stored.

The FDA has previously taken action against companies making unproven health claims about Willard water products. Be cautious of products making claims to cure diseases or to treat specific medical conditions.

The FDA has not tested Willard water products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Willard water?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. Also tell them if you have an upcoming surgery. Sharing this information will help your health care provider know if this or other supplements are right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Some Willard water products may be marketed to enhance nutrient or medicine absorption. If this were true, it could change how much of your medicines your body absorbs, which could be dangerous. Before using Willard water, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Willard water could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Willard water passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does Willard water interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Willard water and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Willard water.

Does Willard water interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

If Willard water actually enhances absorption as claimed by some manufacturers, it could potentially affect how much of your medicines your body absorbs. However, there is no scientific evidence that these absorption claims are true.

The interactions between Willard water and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with Willard water is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking Willard water with any medicines.

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Willard water?

If you or someone else has used too much Willard water, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Read the product label closely, and speak with a health care provider about how to use Willard water safely. Do not use double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.