SEPTEMBER 2022 Hadyn Flygare, Dietetics Student; Stacy Bevan MS, RD; Mateja R. Savoie-Roskos PhD, MPH, RD Did you know that over 75% of children do not meet the recommended fluid intake each day (Drewnowski et al., 2013)? Water is the best fluid children can drink. It is essential for all functions in the body to work at their ideal level, yet most children do not drink nearly enough (Gibson, 2013). Water is constantly being used for normal bodily functions and is lost through urine, feces, skin, and breathing (Gibson, 2013). Water can also be lost each day through various activities, sweating, and as a result of different illnesses (D’Anci et al., 2006). Due to the important role and many uses of water in the body, it is crucial that children stay hydrated. A body is properly hydrated when it has adequate amounts of water to perform at its best (Faizan & Rouster, 2021). The amount of water a child needs depends on a variety of different factors, such as activity level, age, biological sex, and environmental temperature (D’Anci et al., 2006; Institute of Medicine, 2011). Ensuring that children consume adequate amounts of fluid will help their bodies function better and can lead to a healthy habit of drinking water as an adult (Bottin et al., 2019). In this fact sheet, we will discuss daily fluid requirements and barriers and tips for staying hydrated. We will also explain what dehydration is, risk and impact among children, and how to recognize dehydration warning signs.
Children running around outside Source: Unsplash
Daily Fluid Requirements Fluid needs are dependent upon a child’s age and biological sex, with needs increasing as they age (Institute of Medicine, 2011). On average, about 25% of the total fluid intake needed comes from foods and the other 75% comes from fluids (Gibson, 2013; Suh & Kayouras, 2019). Certain foods and drinks are higher in water content than others. Some foods that have a high water content include cucumbers, tomatoes, spinach, honeydew, broccoli, oranges, and blueberries (Jaarsma, 2021). These foods can be incorporated into snacks or meals. Other drinks that have a high water content include milk, vegetable juice, 100% fruit juice, and sports drinks (European Is Your Child Dehydrated? | 1