Water and Beverage Consumption among a Nationally Representative Sample of Children and Adolescents in the United Arab Emirates.
Ali, Habiba I;
Al Dhaheri, Ayesha S;
Elmi, Fadima;
Ng, Shu Wen;
Zaghloul, Sahar;
Ohuma, Eric O;
Qazaq, Husain S;
(2019)
Water and Beverage Consumption among a Nationally Representative Sample of Children and Adolescents in the United Arab Emirates.
NUTRIENTS, 11 (9).
p. 2110.
ISSN 2072-6643
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11092110
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There are limited studies examining water consumption among individuals in hot climates. We assessed the daily total water intake from plain water, other beverages, and food in a nationally representative sample of children and adolescents aged 6-18 years in the United Arab Emirates. Total water intake was compared against the recommendations of the Institute of Medicine and the European Food Safety Authority. Sociodemographic information, 24 h dietary recall, physical activity levels, and anthropometric data were collected from 527 participants. The mean ± SE of total water intake was 1778.4 ± 33.8 mL/day. Plain drinking water was the largest contributor to total water intake (51.6%), followed by food (27.3%). Sugar-sweetened beverages constituted 13.9% of water intake. The proportion of participants who met the Institute of Medicine recommendations ranged from 15% (males aged 14-18) to 25% (children aged 6-8). The proportion of participants who met the European Food Safety Authority recommendations ranged from 31% (females aged 14-18) to 36% (males aged 14-18). The water-to-energy ratio was 1.0-1.15 L/1000 kcal, meeting recommendations. The majority of participants failed to meet water intake recommendations, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to promote increased water consumption among children and adolescents.