Australian Dietary Guidelines - Summary - National Health and ...

guideline 2Water is essential for lifeAustralian tap water is an ideal drink – it’s inexpensive, tastes good and is safe in mostareas of the country. Fluoridated tap water helps develop strong bones and teeth.Choose water instead of drinks with added sugars or alcohol. The amount of water we needvaries depending on individual factors including diet, climate and levels of physical activity.Some older people and young children may benefit from drinking water regularly before theyfeel thirsty.Tea and coffee provide water, although they are not suitable for young children and largequantities can have unwanted stimulant effects in some people.Consumption of drinks with added sugars, such as soft drinks and cordials, fruit drinks,vitamin waters, energy and sports drinks can increase risk of excessive weight gain in bothchildren and adults.Water has an advantage over these drinks, and also over fruit juice and artificially sweetenedsoft drinks, because it has no kilojoules and a low acidity – acidity can erode the enamelof the teeth.Soft drinks may also increase the risk of dental caries and may have a negative impact onthe strength of our bones.Breastmilk supplies adequate fluid up to around six months of age. From around six months,small amounts of cooled boiled water can supplement breastmilk. For formula-fed infants ofall ages, cooled boiled tap water may be used at any time if additional fluids are needed.For more information go to:www.eatforhealth.gov.au26