Table 2.

BBC concerns regarding nitrate content in Zamzam water and simple relieving answers

1. Nitrates have also been found, which may increase the risk of cancer (Figure 1A). This concern can be relieved by some facts:

● There is no report proving a relationship between Zamzam water and malignancy.

● Colorectal cancer (related to nitrates) is lower in Makkah (major consumer of Zamzam water) than other cities.

● High calcium and magnesium (as in Zamzam water [1]) interfere with nitrate-malignancy relationships [20,21].

2. Nitrates increase the risk of cancer (Figure 1D). This concern can be relieved by some facts:

● Nitrates in Zamzam water are opposed by high calcium, magnesium and selenium.

● Nitrates in Zamzam may carry potential benefits e.g. vasodilatation, antithrombotic, and immunoregulatory effects.

3. Zam Zam also contained twice the legal level of nitrates, which can affect infants (Figure 1B). Same reliving answers as concern # 1 and 2.

4. People have been told not to buy Zam Zam water after tests showed three times the permitted level of arsenic (Figure 1B). This concern can be relieved by some facts:

● Other antioxidant (tissue-protective) constituents of Zamzam water should be considered.

● Proving any evidence-based health harms is needed before doing this step.

5. Zamzam water cannot legally be exported (Figure 1B).

● Zamzam water carried by international pilgrims has no reported health harms.

● Proven therapeutic benefits (versus no proven harms) of Zamzam water should be in favour of allowing its international use.

6. The penalty for selling false Zam Zam water is an unlimited fine or two years imprisonment (Figure 1A). However, this can be relieved by some facts:

● This should be done after proving any harmful health effects.

● Currently available research results confirming safety of zamzam water should be considered.

● As long as Zamzam water has proven therapeutic benefits, it should be allowed.