Hydration guidelines for fractionation of liquid intake in hot environments: report of Latin America.

Introduction: Total water intake is the sum of the liquid provided by water and all types of fluids, beverages and foods that contain it. It is assumed to represent around 80 % of total intake by humans, including 20 % from foods (EFSA). Water intake is mostly achieved though fluids like water, juices, energetic drinks, caffeinated drinks, soft drinks or soups. The needs of water intake vary depending on characteristics such as gender, life span, physical activity, geography, weather conditions, and others. Considering the life cycle, our first fluid intake, as suggested by the World Health Organization, should be breast milk. If the healthy newborn is well hydrated it can self-regulate the human milk intake. After the first six months of age and until 2 years old, others liquids and foods different from breast milk are responsible of the hydration and nutrition of the infant. Then, breastfeeding is displaced by others fluids, that may change across life cycle.