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Children need to keep up fluids when at school

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Children who do not drink enough fluids to remain hydrated may suffer problems with health, behaviour and learning ability. The problem of dehydration among schoolchildren is raising concern for some health professionals who say children need to be encouraged to drink more fluids regularly throughout the day.

The problem arises partly because children, and some teachers, may not be aware of the need for sufficient fluid intake. In order to replace the average daily obligatory fluid losses, it is estimated that approximately 1.1-1.5 litres of liquid (8-10 cups) must be drunk in addition to the water derived from food and metabolism.

But one of the biggest obstacles is limited access to water and other fluids in schools. It is estimated by DfES that 10% of schools do not provide drinking water, apart from at meals, and those that do often offer unpalatable and restricted supplies. Other problems that have been identified include the location for water fountains.

For example, water fountains situated in toilet blocks can be off-putting and children may be wary of drinking in an area that can sometimes be a site for intimidating behaviour.

Understandably, teachers may be reluctant to allow children to drink from water fountains or bottles during lessons as this could cause disruption to lessons by increased visits to the toilets and spillages on desks.

However, in extreme cases, being dehydrated can lead to a number of medical problems including urinary tract infection, constipation, bed wetting and a dry cough. Low levels of dehydration can also have an effect on mental performance.

A study conducted at Leeds University showed that children's ability to do arithmetic was impaired if they were between 1-2% dehydrated - not enough even to cause feelings of thirst.

In 2001 the government re-introduced nutritional standards for school lunchesin England and Wales, one of the recommendations was that tap water should be freely available every day. If you are worried that a child may not be drinking enough, encourage them to drink well at breakfast and at lunchtime and, if permissible, allow them to bring a plastic bottle of water in their schoolbag so that they can drink at breaktime.

Suitable fluids include:

-- Water from water coolers and fountains
-- Tap and bottled water
-- Fruit juice
-- Low sugar squash
-- Milk
-- Flavoured milk
-- Carbonated drinks

British Nutrition Foundation
High Holborn House
52-54 High Holborn
London WC1V 6RQ
Tel: 020 7404 6504
Fax: 020 7404 6747
postbox@nutrition.org.uk

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