DRAFT Australian Dietary Guidelines - Eat For Health

2.6.4 Practical considerations: Drink water
The National Health and Medical Research Council has developed comprehensive guidelines on
tap water standards for drinking. Australian tap water is an ideal option because it is inexpensive
and meets high palatability and hygiene standards. Most tapwater in Australia is fluoridated, which
has been shown to be a safe and effective public health measure. Fluoridation of tapwater provides
an additional benefit for development of strong teeth and bones, making it a very good choice to
ensure adequate hydration. Tank water and bottled waters are a useful alternative when access to
tapwater is limited. Not all bottled waters contain fluoride.
However, access to and availability of clean and safe water may not be available among some
population groups, particularly in remote regions of Australia.
2.6.4.1 Pregnant and breastfeeding women
As stated in the previous dietary guidelines, pregnant and breastfeeding women have a slightly
increased water requirement because of expanding extracellular fluid space and the needs of the
foetus and the amniotic fluid. The fluid need is therefore 750–1000mL a day above basic needs
[37].
Many authoritative bodies advise pregnant and breastfeeding women to limit their caffeine intake –
for example the New Zealand Ministry of Health advises that intake be restricted to a maximum
of 300mg of caffeine per day (about three cups of coffee or six cups of tea) [220].
2.6.4.2 Infants
Water turnover is higher in infants and young children than in adults. Adequate levels of hydration
are important, especially during times of potential heat stress (for example, due to hot weather or
fever). Breastmilk supplies adequate water up to around 6 months of age, but cooled boiled water
may need to be provided for formula fed infant [133].
2.6.4.3 Older people
Older people can experience dehydration due to inadequate intake of water or other drinks. The
normal decline in kidney function with age, plus hormonal changes, decreased thirst perception,
medication, cognitive changes, limited mobility and increased use of diuretics and laxatives may
create concern for older people [35]. These changes may be normal adaptations of the ageing
process but the outcomes of dehydration in the elderly are serious and include cognitive
impairment, functional decline, falls or stroke.
DRAFT Australian Dietary Guidelines- December 2011 72