Table 5American dietary recommendations: IoM (2005) IoM (Institute of Medicine) (2005)

Dietary reference intakes for water, potassium, sodium chloride and sulfate. Washington DC: The National Academies Press.

Total water intake per day, including water contained in foodWater obtained from drinks per day
Infants 0–6 months700 ml assumed to be from breast milk
7–12 months800 ml from milk and complementary foods and beverages600 ml
1–3 years1300 ml900 ml
4–8 years1700 ml1200 ml
Boys 9–13 years2400 ml1800 ml
Girls 9–13 years2100 ml1600 ml
Boys 14–18 years3300 ml2600 ml
Girls 14–18 years2300 ml1800 ml

The above recommendations are for adequate intakes and should not be interpreted as a specific requirement. Higher intakes of total water will be required for those who are physically active or who are exposed to hot environments. It should be noted that obese children may also require higher intakes of total water.

From: 1, Guidance summary

Cover of Constipation in Children and Young People
Constipation in Children and Young People: Diagnosis and Management of Idiopathic Childhood Constipation in Primary and Secondary Care.
NICE Clinical Guidelines, No. 99.
National Collaborating Centre for Women's and Children's Health (UK).
London: RCOG Press; 2010.
Copyright © 2010, National Collaborating Centre for Women's and Children's Health.

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