Assessing flavored water consumption by children admitted to pediatric ward

Introduction
Water is an integral part of a healthy diet. Natural water in the most effective way quenches thirst and hydrates the body. Mineral water is recommended for infants while introducing solid food. Flavored water is very popular in Poland. Those beverages are based on mineral water with addition of sucrose or glucose-fructose syrup, flavor additives, preservatives and antioxidants. The aim of the study was to evaluate the consumption of flavored water by children hospitalized in Department of Pediatrics, Institute of Mother and Child in Warsaw.

Materials and methods
Detailed data on water consumption was collected from parents of 109 children aged from 6 months to 18 years. An original questionnaire was developed as a tool for survey research. It comprised questions on the frequency of water consumption (per day/week/month) as well as the selection of flavored waters.

Results
Flavored water was consumed by 43 (39.4%) child-ren, out of whom more than half were aged between 4 and 18 years. Infants were less likely to receive flavored water (1 of 10). Among the most preferable flavors were: straw¬berry (37%), apple (18,6%) and lemon (16%).

Conclusion
A large percent of parents per¬ceive flavored water as a healthy drink in their children's diets. There is a strong need for parental education about the potential adverse effects of those beverages on the child's health.