Water consumption, body composition and cardiometabolic parameters in children.

Abstract

Introduction: Beverage consumption and its possible association with the current obesity epidemic and metabolic syndrome is under investigation in recent years, but water intake is probably the most underestimated or poorly measured of all beverages. Water is essential for life and plain water instead of other caloric beverages is one approach to decrease energy intake and therefore could play an important role to fight against obesity and cardiovascular disease. Method: A cross sectional study was conducted in 366 schoolchildren aged 9 to 11 years from Cuenca′s province in Spain. Body composition and cardiometabolic parameters were measured and averaged 24h recalls to obtain water and beverage consumption. Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) was assessed by the 20m shuttle run test. Results: In linear multiple regression (adjusted by sex, aged and CRF) we found an inverse association between water (ml) /Kg weight with BMI, Fat mass, Fat free mass, Waist circumference, insulin levels, MetS index, HOMA-IR (p<0.000), and with arterial pressure parameters, SBP (p<0.010), DBP (p<0.028) and Mean Arterial Pressure (p<0.012) and also, direct associations with HDL cholesterol (p<0.001). Conclusions: Higher consumption of water/kg weight was negatively associated with BMI, Fat mass, Fat free mass, Waist circumference, insulin levels, MetS index, HOMA-IR, DBP, SBP, MAP and positively with HDL cholesterol in children. Water consumption is associated with numerous health benefits and an adequate intake of water could contribute to obesity and cardiovascular disease prevention in children and consequently in adulthood.