IBWA Confirms Findings of New Dietary Report

The International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) commented yesterday on hydration facts in the National Academy of Sciences' (NAS) report, "Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI) for Water, Potassium, Sodium, Chloride, and Sulfate."

"While NAS certainly acknowledges that other beverages and foods contribute to hydration, the report unquestionably validates the importance of water for hydration," said Stephen R. Kay, IBWA vice president of communications. "According to data presented in the NAS report, as part of their total water intake from food and beverage sources, men are adequately hydrated by consuming 100 ounces of fluids, including drinking water and other beverages, and women at a level of just over 72 ounces. This does, indeed, give support to – and goes beyond – the general guidance to consume eight, 8-ounce (64 ounces) servings of water each day."

"And for consumers who choose water as a beverage for hydration and refreshment," Kay continued, "bottled water is an excellent choice because of its consistent safety, quality, good taste and convenience."

Bottled water is regulated as a packaged food product by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) through comprehensive standards for safety, quality, production, labeling, and identity. In addition, state governmental agencies regulate bottled water and IBWA members adhere to additional standards through the IBWA Model Code.

Linda McDonald, a nutritionist, registered dietician and editor of the Supermarket Savvy newsletter said, "What better replacement for lost water from the body than water itself. While other foods and beverages can contribute to hydration, as stated in the report, water does not add calories, caffeine, sugar or other ingredients that consumers may wish to avoid or moderate."

McDonald added, "It is my hope that this report will lead to the inclusion of specific recommendations for water consumption in the 2005 revision of the Dietary Guidelines and the resultant Food Pyramid."

The International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) is the authoritative source of information about all types of bottled waters. Founded in 1958, IBWA's membership includes U.S. and international bottlers, distributors and suppliers. IBWA is committed to working with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which regulates bottled water as a packaged food product, and state governments – strengthened by the IBWA Model Code – to set stringent standards for safe, high quality bottled water products.

Source: International Bottled Water Association