From the Guidelines
Alkaline water is not harmful to children when consumed in moderation, but regular tap water or filtered water is perfectly adequate for their hydration needs. Children can safely drink alkaline water occasionally, but there is no scientific evidence supporting special health benefits of alkaline water for children's development or health. The human body naturally maintains its pH balance through various physiological mechanisms, and consuming alkaline water doesn't significantly alter this balance, as suggested by general physiology principles 1.
Some key points to consider:
- Children's kidneys and buffer systems are designed to regulate their body's pH regardless of what they drink.
- Some alkaline water products may contain added minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which are beneficial nutrients, but these can be obtained through a balanced diet, as discussed in the context of pediatric nutrition 1.
- Parents should be cautious about marketing claims suggesting alkaline water is necessary or superior for children's health.
- If considering alkaline water for children, avoid extremely high pH levels (above 9.5) and ensure the water comes from a reliable source.
- For most children, regular clean water remains the healthiest, most economical hydration choice, and there is evidence suggesting that excessive fluoride intake, which might be present in some alkaline waters, could have negative effects on children's neurological development 1.
In terms of hydration needs, the amount of water a child requires depends on their age, weight, and activity level, with general guidelines available for calculating maintenance water needs in children 1. However, the most important consideration is that children drink enough water to stay hydrated, regardless of whether it is alkaline or regular water.
From the Research
Alkaline Water and Children's Health
- There is limited research directly addressing the effects of alkaline water on children's health 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- A study on the consumption of very low mineral water found that it may be associated with lower bone mineral content in children, suggesting that mineral-rich water could be beneficial for bone health 5.
- However, there is no direct evidence to suggest that alkaline water is harmful to children.
- It is essential to note that children's bodies are still developing, and their nutritional needs may differ from those of adults.
Hydration and Acid-Base Balance
- Research on adults has shown that alkaline water can improve acid-base balance and hydration status 3, 4.
- A study on combat sport athletes found that drinking alkaline water enhanced hydration, improved acid-base balance, and increased anaerobic exercise performance 4.
- However, it is unclear whether these findings can be applied to children, and more research is needed to understand the effects of alkaline water on children's hydration and acid-base balance.
Dietary Considerations
- A review of the literature suggests that an alkaline diet, which includes abundant alkaline-forming foods, can have various health benefits, including improved bone mineral density and muscle mass 6.
- However, the relationship between alkaline water and children's dietary needs is not well understood, and more research is needed to determine the potential benefits and risks of alkaline water for children.