8 in 10 Filipino kids not drinking enough water

MANILA, Philippines — Eight of every 10 Filipino children are suffering from dehydration, according to a study by the Department of Science and Technology-Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI).

Czarina Martinez, science research specialist II at the FNRI Technology Diffusion and S&T Services Division, said 83 percent of Filipino children are not drinking enough water to keep them hydrated and healthy.

“It is alarming because hydration is important in the development of children,” she said.

The DOST-FNRI launched on Wednesday #UHAWAreYou? in partnership with juice manufacturer Tang to increase hydration awareness.

“Misconceptions are the major barriers to proper hydration, especially in countries such as the Philippines,” said Dr. Rodolfo Florentino, chairman of the Nutrition Foundation of the Philippines.

Florentino said under normal conditions, adults can satisfy their water needs with the sensation of thirst, but this is not the case in children and the elderly when thirst comes late, and they are dependent upon others for their hydration needs.

 “This is also not the case in conditions where fluid requirement is increased during physical activity or warm temperature,” he explained.

Florentino said dehydration of as little as two percent of the body has negative effects on children’s performance.

Among the signs of dehydration are dry lips and mouth and dark-colored urine.

In the long term, Florentino said dehydration may also slow down a person’s physical and mental performance.

He said chronic dehydration increases the risk of developing kidney stones, urinary tract infection, hypertension and stroke.