Limitations of Data on Fluid Intake

Abstract

Background: The Dietary Reference Intakes for Water, Potassium, Sodium, Chloride, and Sulfate, provided extensive tables of data on total water intake, water intake from beverages and water intake from foods; however, very little information was provided about the specific details of these analyses. Reported total water intake varied with gender and somewhat with age and suggested that further sources of variation in total water intake were due to differences in body size, physical activity, and climatic exposure.Objective and Methods: In an attempt to better understand the variation in reported water intake, we examined water intake from foods and beverages and plain water intake in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES), 1999–2002.Results: Non-Hispanic black children (4 to 18 years) had less water from food and beverages (∼0.15 L/day) than non-Hispanic whites and Hispanics. Non-Hispanic black children had less (∼0.15 L/day) plain water than other ethnicities. Adult non-Hispanic whites had more water intake from food and beverages (∼0.4 L/day) and non-Hispanic blacks had less (∼0.2 L/day) than Hispanics and Other ethnic group. Non-Hispanic black adults had less (∼0.2 L/day) plain water than non-Hispanic whites and the Other ethnic group but had similar plain water consumption as Hispanics.Conclusion: These data indicate further investigation into the sources of variation of water intake should include consideration of ethnic differences.