Eating Right But Drinking Wrong:

Pediatric Nutritionists Claim Beverage Choice is Critical But Overlooked Element in Children's Diets

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Hydration Concerns Among Pediatric Diet Experts Are Raised During May's 'Drink To Your Good Health Month'

After having focused more exclusively on the food we eat, nutritionists are now emphasizing the importance of the beverages we drink. A Cornell University Medical Center study showed that children who drink more than 12 fluid ounces of sweetened fruit juices a day are prone to obesity and reduced growth. Another study found that 70% of pre- school children, a group prone to dehydration, drink no water at all during the day. Even the proposed USDA dietary guidelines, which will not be finalized until later this year, are recommending that adults give children more water to quench their thirst.

"There is a hydration crisis among kids today," said Christine Palumbo, RD, and member of the Good Health Advisory Board of water.com, one of the most comprehensive online sites for bottled water and interactive health information. Palumbo, a mother of three, stated, "the drinking habits of children are formed early and at home." She also asserted, "the number one source of added sugars in the United States is nondiet soft drinks. It's absolutely crucial to expose children to healthy drinks like bottled spring water early in their development, before they acquire a taste for sweetened beverages."

Palumbo recommends that families keep a water cooler in the home to help children develop a daily routine of drinking water. A survey commissioned by water.com found that when a water cooler was placed in the home, children were far more likely to reach for water instead of sweetened juices. This smart hydration tactic may lead to other benefits as well. "Healthy hydration also makes sound economic sense," added Palumbo. "One study indicated that some families reduced home beverage costs by as much as 40% by switching to water from less healthy beverages."

Suntory Water Group, which created water.com, has designated May as "Drink To Your Good Health Month" in order to raise awareness about the importance of hydration. To further educate families about the need for healthy hydration, a free brochure, "The Family Guide to Healthy Hydration," is available through www.water.com.

Suntory Water Group, established in 1985, bottles, sells and distributes water and related products under regional names including Belmont Springs(R), Crystal Springs(R), Kentwood Springs(R), Hinckley Springs(R) and Sierra Springs(R). The company offers single-serve bottles, bulk packages and cooler options to residential and commercial customers in 40 states and Alberta, Canada.

Web site: Suntory Water Group

CONTACT: Suntory Water Group

May 1, 2000