Drink lots of clean, safe water: a food–based dietary guideline for South Africa

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Date
2013Author
Bourne, L.
Phooko, D.
Van Graan, A.E.
Wright, H.H.
Bopape, M.
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The purpose of this review is to summarise the literature that supports the importance of the food-based dietary guideline
on water consumption. General recommendations for total daily water intake are between 2 and 3.7 l for women
and men, 0.7 l for infants aged 0-6 months, 0.8 l for infants aged 7-12 months, 1.3 l for children aged 1-3 years, and
1.7 l for children aged 4-8 years. Water recommendations for the elderly and people who are involved in exercise or
hard physical labour may be higher and might need special consideration. Water remains one of the primary sources
of fluoride, and in areas with low levels, the fluoridation of drinking water is recommended. Defluoridation of water is
suggested in areas where water fluoride levels exceed 3 mg/l. There is a paucity of South African data on general fluid
intake, but some evidence suggests an increase in the intake of energy-containing beverages and in the demand for
bottled water, posing unique challenges relating to weight gain and diabetes incidence, and effects on the environment
and chemical leaching, respectively. Water quality remains a concern. Low rainfall, declining fresh water sources and
the impact of industrial activity, urbanisation, climate change, deforestation, mining and agriculture add pressure on
water bodies. This effect on water quality could lead to water-borne illnesses and disease. Managing the quality of
drinking water is of utmost importance, and pertains to the microbiological and chemical safety of water, as well as to
the physical and organoleptic qualities of drinking water, which is an important cornerstone for health
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http://hdl.handle.net/10394/16515file:///C:/Users/10192018/Downloads/97818-Article%20Text-255798-1-10-20131129.pdf
https://www.ajol.info/index.php/sajcn/article/view/97818
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- Faculty of Health Sciences [2376]