Fluid intake from beverages in Spanish adults; cross-sectional study

Area of Science:

• Nutrition Science
• Public Health
• Dietary Assessment

Background:

• Traditional dietary questionnaires often underestimate total fluid and water intake.
• Assessing population fluid consumption patterns is infrequently studied.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate total fluid intake from various beverages in Spanish adults.
• To identify factors influencing fluid consumption and adherence to recommendations.

Main Methods:

• A 7-day fluid-specific diary was used to collect data from 1,262 Spanish adults (aged 18-70).
• Random recruitment ensured representation across all Spanish regions.

Main Results:

• 50.4% of participants had fluid intake below 80% of European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recommendations.
• Women and individuals with higher physical activity levels were more likely to meet fluid intake recommendations.
• Significant gender-based differences in beverage choices were observed, with younger and normal/underweight individuals exceeding World Health Organization (WHO) free sugar intake recommendations from beverages.

Conclusions:

• A substantial portion of Spanish adults do not meet EFSA fluid intake guidelines.
• Water is the primary fluid source, but consumption patterns vary by age and gender.
• Beverage consumption alone contributes excessive sugar intake for a quarter of the population, exceeding WHO recommendations for total diet sugar intake.