Thirty-five times more oxygen than regular water.

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October 2006

Product Reviews / Main Nibbles / Beverages

OGO Oxygenwater

For More Get Up And Go?

CAPSULE REPORT: What’s next in water? OGO Oxygenwater gives you two new features to contemplate: lots of extra oxygen and a round, “oxygen molecule” bottle. While it will not turn you into Lance Armstrong, it is cute.

OGO Oxygenwater, launched last year, comes from a natural spring water source in Tilburg, in the North Brabant region of The Netherlands (opera lovers’ trivia: Lohengren’s Elsa hailed from the Brabant). The producers call it “The Breathing Water” because it is improved to yield an oxygen concentration that is around 35 times higher than regular water—up to 200mg of oxygen in every liter. The more oxygen you take in the healthier you feel, they say. (An American company called Aquagen introduced its own version of an oxygen-supplemented water at Expo West natural products show in March.)

The water is oxygenated via a patented “natural oxygenation process” at the company’s facility prior to bottling. You can taste the oxygenation—or what we perceive is the result of the oxygenation. There is a distinctive flavor that has a chemical quality to it—not negative, but similar to municipal water that has been fluoridated. Those who seek a totally flavorless water will notice it. We wish the sparkling version of OGO had been imported as well so we could try it (bubbles cover up a multitude of sins). The company will be coming out with a flavored version that may displace the taste of “oxygenation.”

But for those who want to be seen holding the latest hot-looking bottle, it’s hard to beat OGO Oxygenwater’s round, 33cl (11.1 ounces) PET plastic bottle. The bottle was designed by the Parisian firm of Ora-ito, whose clients include Thierry Mugler, Swatch and a host of international brands. While the palm-size bottle cleverly looks like a big oxygen molecule, 11.1 ounces is a somewhat small serving of water for most of us are used to easily downing 16-ounce bottles—it seems like a lot of plastic headed to recycling quickly (although—no joke—the empties would affix to Christmas trees for anyone wanting to make an ecological statement). A liter-size bottle is due later this year. Another challenge is that the large globe shapes fit more comfortably into a man’s larger hand than into a woman’s. There is no narrow neck or other area to grab onto.

OGO Oxygen Too

In addition to the oxygen waters, OGO sells one-liter oxygen canisters in four flavors—eucalyptus, flower power (floral), peppermint and yuzu lemon—each of which contains 6 liters of “the finest, premium quality oxygen.” The company says that  “OGO Oxygen was created as a response to the rapidly decreasing oxygen levels in the air we breathe. It helps you to stay alert and focused and helps restore to your body the oxygen it needs for optimum performance. A puff of OGO in the morning gently awakens the senses. During the day each new inhalation serves as an energy booster, revitalizing your concentration, reflexes and memory.”

The concept reminds us of the oxygen bars that tried to be popular a few years ago, and we understand still exist in Los Angeles. We have not yet tried the cannister, but if it does provide a benefit or perceived benefit, like a cosmetic—great!

Where’s The Science?

Back to the company’s claim that intaking extra oxygen will go a long way to optimize efficiency, improve fitness, reduce muscle strain and stiffness, improve memory and concentration, improve blood circulation, accelerate healing and regeneration, et al:

There are no scientific studies to support this, and the company offers none. It is the inference is that intaking oxygen will confer these benefits that we know benefit the body when cells produce them. How much do you have to drink? The company doesn’t say. THE NIBBLE’s advisors, an M.D. and a Ph.D chemist, tried to find real science behind the oxygenation and couldn’t. We welcome it.

But, water doesn’t have to be serious science. As with so many bottled waters, the name of the game is marketing (remember Bling water?). We do find the little globes of water quite fetching, and a perfect little gift to have on hand for dispensing at all times, an ideal stocking stuffer. One can never have enough water; and whether or not ultra-oxygenated water helps, it certainly can’t hurt.

*TDS = Total Dissolved Solids
†ND = Non-Detectable