Pattern of fluid consumption in a sample of Saudi Arabian adolescents aged 12-13 years

To study the pattern of fluid consumption in a group of Saudi adolescent boys and girls aged 12-13 years.

Prospective study.

Three hundred forty-four boys and girls attending school in Riyadh recorded their fluid intake for three consecutive days, including one weekend day, in April and May 2002. Types of drink/beverage and total amount consumed were analysed and ranked in order of amount/quantity of consumption. Independent samples t-test was used to compare between genders.

Mean daily fluid intake was 1,917 mL (SD 287). Drinking water provided 37%, whereas carbonated soft drinks and fruit juice/drink accounted for 26% and 25%, respectively. Seven percent of total fluid intake amounting to 134 mL came from milk and 5% (103 mL) was from tea/coffee. Fluid intake was higher in boys (2,006 mL) than in girls (1,821 mL) (P=0.049). This was also true for carbonated soft drinks (P=0.050) and tea/coffee (P=0.000). Girls consumed more milk (P=0.001) and fruit juice/drink (P=0.001) than boys.

Both carbonated soft drink and fruit juice/drink accounted for the largest proportion of total fluid intake by the sampled Saudi adolescents to the detriment of nutritious milk.