Fluids
What are Fluids?
The body needs fluids to stay balanced and to function properly. Up to 60% of a child’s body is made up of water, including vital organs like the skin, heart, muscles, kidneys, and brain. Children who are not properly hydrated are at higher risk for constipation, fatigue, and dry skin.
The main sources of the body’s water come from tap or bottled water, milk, juices, coffee, and sugar-sweetened beverages, like soft drinks. [1]
Drinking water, milk, and juices throughout the day can help meet the body’s needs. [1]
Sugar-sweetened beverages (sodas, lemonade) contain added sugars. Limit consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, as the high sugar content can have negative health outcomes. [2]
Water also comes from food sources, like fruits and vegetables.
Water serves many functions in the body, including: [3]
Helps regulate body temperature
Transports nutrients and waste products
Acts as a shock absorber for the brain and spinal cord
Lubricates joints
To meet fluid intake for the day, here are some tips: [1]
Sources of Fluids
Breast milk and formula
Fruits & fruit juices
Cucumbers & celery
Milk or milk alternatives
Coffee
Soft drinks
Sports drinks
Recommended Intake
These recommendations are based on the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI), a general term for a set of reference values used to plan and assess the nutrient intakes of healthy individuals.
Males
o-6 months: 24 fluid ounces/day (water); most fluid needs met by breast milk or formula
7-12 months: 28 fl oz/d (water); limit to 4-6 ounces of 100% juice per day
1-3 years: 44 fl oz/d (water); limit to 6 ounces of 100% juice per day
4-8 years: 58 fl oz/d (water); limit to 6 ounces of 100% juice per day
9-13 years: 82 fl oz/d (water)
14-18 years: 112 fl oz/d (water)
19+ years: 126 fl oz/d (water)
Females
o-6 months: 24 fluid ounces/day (water); most fluid needs met by breast milk or formula
7-12 months: 28 fl oz/d (water); limit to 4-6 ounces of 100% juice per day
1-3 years: 44 fl oz/d (water); limit to 6 ounces of 100% juice per day
4-8 years: 58 fl oz/d (water); limit to 6 ounces of 100% juice per day
9-13 years: 72 fl oz/d (water)
14-18 years: 78 fl oz/d (water)
19+ years: 92 fl oz/d (water
Under-Consumption of Fluids
Underconsumption of fluids can lead to dehydration.
Symptoms of dehydration include dark, scanty urine, chronic fatigue, headaches, and lack of energy.
Lack of fluid consumption or dehydration can result from diarrhea, vomiting, or the use of diuretics.
Consuming too little fluids can also result in constipation.
Individuals who are ill (i.e. vomiting, diarrhea), forget to drink plenty of fluids, or are avid athletes are at risk for underconsumption of fluids. Children who are picky and don’t like drinking water or other healthy beverages are also at risk for underconsumption and dehydration.
Over-Consumption of Fluids
Water Intoxication
Consuming too many fluids too fast without adequate salt replacement can dilute the sodium in the body and increase the rate of urine production. Too much water enters the cells, tissues swell because of excess fluid, and sodium levels in the blood drop. This is known as hyponatremia. [1]
Symptoms of water intoxication include fatigue and confusion
Drinking too many sugar-sweetened beverages can increase the risk of becoming overweight or obese.
Sometimes, athletes will consume too much water too quickly and can overconsume fluids and displace water/salt balance in the body. Children may overconsume sugar-sweetened beverages, be at risk for becoming overweight, and also may become dehydrated from lack of water intake.
Supplements
Supplementing fluids are useful in cases of dehydration or diarrhea. Electrolytes are commonly used to restore fluid balance within the body.
DISCLAIMER: Before starting any supplement or medication, always consult with your healthcare provider to ensure it is a good fit for your child. Dosage can vary based on age, weight, gender, and current diet.
Fluids & Autism in the Research
Water
See the Water note for more information on water.
Camel Milk
See the Camel Milk note for more information on camel milk & autism
Sugar-Sweetened Beverages
Sugar-sweetened beverages can include soft drinks, fruit juices, sports drinks, and flavored waters, coffees, and teas.
Sugar sweetened beverages account for approximately 20-34% of added sugar intake among children. Studies have shown a consistent link between sugar-sweetened beverage intake and behavioral problems in American children. [2]
Replacing sugar-sweetened beverages with healthier beverage options and limiting access to sugar-sweetened beverages can help reduce the risk of childhood obesity. [5]
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[1] Blake JS, Munoz K, Volpe S. Nutrition: From Science to You. 3rd ed. Pearson; 2016.
[2] Geng M, Jiang L, Wu X, et al. Sugar-sweetened beverages consumption are associated with behavioral problems among preschoolers: A population based cross-sectional study in China. J Affect Disord. 2020;265:519-525.
[3] Jéquier E, Constant F. Water as an essential nutrient: the physiological basis of hydration. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2010;64(2):115-23.
[4] Al-ayadhi LY, Elamin NE. Camel Milk as a Potential Therapy as an Antioxidant in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2013;2013:602834.
[5] Scharf RJ, Deboer MD. Sugar-Sweetened Beverages and Children's Health. Annu Rev Public Health. 2016;37:273-93.
