Children not hydrated

Citation

(2012), "Children not hydrated", Nutrition & Food Science, Vol. 42 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/nfs.2012.01742eaa.003

Children not hydrated

Article Type: Food facts From: Nutrition & Food Science, Volume 42, Issue 5

Nearly two-thirds of children are arriving at school having not drunk enough, according to the first ever report into the hydration status of children in the UK. The tests on 452 children aged between 9 and 11 were carried out by the University of Sheffield Medical School. Boys fared worst, with nearly seven in ten (68.4 per cent) not being sufficiently hydrated. Girls were slightly better, although over half (53.5 per cent) still had not consumed enough fluids. Researchers looked at what the children were eating and drinking during breakfast, and analysed urine samples to measure the concentration of the children’s urine (known as urine osmolality).

Thirst is the body’s way of indicating it needs fluids – but experts say children do not always pay attention to the feeling of thirst like adults do. They are warning that children are at risk of becoming dehydrated. Symptoms of mild to moderate dehydration include headaches, dry, sticky mouth and sleepiness or tiredness.

The UK results echo the findings of similar research in France and the USA and have prompted a campaign to raise awareness and encourage parents to make sure their child drinks enough at breakfast time, in case they do not drink again until lunchtime. They are being advised to ensure their children have a glass of water before going to school and perhaps pack a bottle in their school bag so they can take regular sips. It is recommended that children aged 9-13 drink at least eight 150 ml glasses of water a day.

The term “not sufficiently hydrated” references the stage before clinical dehydration; at this stage you could benefit from drinking more fluids so that you maintain the balance of water in your body.